Purines are natural compounds that can be found in all of the cells within the body. According to the World's Healthiest Foods encyclopedia, when cells break down and die, the purines within the cells also break down and are converted into uric acid. While uric acid is necessary to protect our blood vessels, too much of it in the body is not healthy, as it can build up and deposit uric acid crystals in the joints, as well as organs in the body, such as the kidneys. This buildup of crystals can cause arthritis and gout. While purines can be found in most foods, there are certain foods that contain high levels of purines, and should be avoided if one is suffering with gout or gouty arthritis.
High-Purine Foods
World's Healthiest Foods reports that in cases of severe gout, it is recommended that one restrict purine intake to no more than 150 mg per day. The following foods can contain up to 1,000 mg of purine in a 3 oz serving: anchovies, sardines, herring, liver, and other organ meats.
Moderate-Purine Foods
Foods that contain moderate levels of purines, 50 to 100 mg in a 3 oz. serving, include bacon, beef, carp, crab, turkey, duck, ham, trout, sheep, veal and venison. A study in the March 11, 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) states that meats and seafood all contain higher levels of purines than low-purine containing vegetables, and the Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding animal protein altogether if you need to follow a low-purine diet.
Vegetables such as asparagus, cauliflower, kidney, lima, navy beans, and mushrooms are much lower in purine concentration than the meats listed above, but you still need to moderate their intake if you are on a low-purine diet. The University of Pittsburg Medical Center recommends limiting their intake to 2 to 3 times per week.
Low-Purine Foods
There are low-purine foods that can be enjoyed daily on a low-purine diet. In a report from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, they are listed as noodles, enriched breads, pasta, potatoes and cereals; whole-grain breads, cereals, and oatmeal are to be limited to two times per week. Also listed are eggs, nuts and peanut butter. Condiments can be enjoyed, but high-fat condiments such as mayonnaise and whole butter should be avoided due to their fat content. All vegetables (except those listed as moderate-purine foods) and fruits can be enjoyed on a low-purine diet as well.
The NEJM reports that dairy products are also safe to consume on a low-purine diet, and may even help protect against gout.
