Low- Purine Diet

What is a purine?
Purines are chemicals naturally found in our bodies and diets. When we
digest purines, they are broken down into uric acid, a normal waste
product that gets processed by the kidneys.
The problem with uric acid:
If your kidneys cant get rid of enough uric acid, it can start to build up.
Excess uric acid, or hyperuricemia, can potentially crystallize in the
joints causing painful inflammation. It can also be deposited in the
kidneys and other organs.
How to prevent excess uric acid:
Consuming a diet low in purines has been shown to reduce excess uric
acid. In addition to this, an overall nutritious diet in general and
maintenance of a healthy weight will help reduce high uric acid levels.
What is a low purine diet?
Purines are found in certain protein rich foods. A low purine diet
encourages eating complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, healthy
fats and protein from appropriate sources.

Focus on complex carbs, fruits, vegetables, healthy

fats and
low purine sources of proteins, especially low/nonfat dairy
Limit meats and seafood to 4-6 oz/day

 Drink plenty of water (64-128 oz/day)

purINs and purOUTs

FOOD
GROUP
Vegetables

CHOOSE
All vegetables are
encouraged.

All fruits are encouraged.

Vitamin C may help reduce
uric acid levels so include
some citrus fruits in your diet.
Stay within the daily
Recommended Dietary
Allowance.*
Carbohydrat Complex carbs such as
es
whole grain bread, brown rice
and whole wheat pasta are
recommended.
Meats &
Meats and Seafood are high
Seafood
in purines and should be
limited to 4-6 oz per day
(Note: a 3 oz piece of chicken
is roughly the size of a deck of
cards).
Fruits

Best
Proteins for
a LowPurine Diet

Low fat or nonfat dairy is not

only a good source of protein,
but may also help with uric
acid levels.
Try tofu, eggs and nut

AVOID
Some vegetables such as
spinach, mushrooms,
cauliflower and peas do
have higher purine levels,
however, all vegetables are
still shown to reduce uric
acid.
None

None

Organ meats like liver,

kidney, and sweetbreads
are very high in purines and
should be avoided.
Certain seafood like tuna,
anchovies, sardines,
mussels, scallops, trout,
haddock, and mackerel are
higher and should be
avoided.
Beans and lentils are
moderately high in purines
and should not be eaten in
excess, however, they are a
better protein option than

Fat

Beverages

butters.
Fats are safe to eat but focus
on healthy fats coming from
vegetable oils, nuts, and
avocados.
Drinking enough water
(64-128 oz/day) can help clear
uric acid.

meat and seafood.

Limit saturated fats.

High fructose corn syrup

intake is correlated to
increased risk of excess uric
acid. Sodas and foods high
in this should be limited.

*Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for Vitamin C

1-3 years 15mg
4-8 years: 25mg
9-13 years: 45mg
years: 75mg (male)

Example of a Low Purine Diet:

14-18
65mg

Breakfast
2 pieces of whole grain toast
2 eggs, scrambled with:
cup spinach
cup tomatoes, diced
cup non-fat mozzarella
Snack
1 Apple, cut into slices
2 tbs nut butter
OR
1 glass of low/nonfat milk

1 cup low/nonfat
cheese
cup granola
1 banana sliced

cottage


Lunch
Wrap made with:
1 whole wheat tortilla
2 slices swiss cheese
1 oz sliced turkey breast
avocado, sliced
Serve with: 1 cup baby carrots and an orange

Dinner
3 oz skinless chicken breast
1 cup brown rice
1 cup broccoli

References:

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2010). Recommended Diet for Gout.

https://www.eatrightpro.org/resource/news-center/in-practice/nutrition-news/goutis-a-purine- restricted-diet-still-recommended. Accessed July 22, 2015.

Mayoclinic(2015). Nutrition and healthy eating. http://www.mayoclinic.org/goutdiet/ART20048524?p=1 Accessed July 22, 2015.

MedlinePlus (2014). Gout. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gout.html#cat5

Accessed July 22, 2015.

National Kidney Foundation (2015). Gout and Hyperuricemia.

https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/gout Accessed July 22, 2015.

Prepared by: Taylor Palm, Rutgers University Volunteer - 2015