Are Shrimp And Oysters High In Purines?

According to acumedico, shrimp purine content falls into the category of moderately high purine content at an average level of 147 mg of uric acid per 100g. This makes them a food to be avoided when suffering from gout.

• Oysters and Gout

Although the content of purine in oysters falls into the lowest category with 90 mg of uric acid per 100g, oysters are considered a food to be avoided.

• High Cholesterol

Usually, foods that have high cholesterol and/or fat contents are high in purines. Gout diets are subsequently low-cholesterol and low-fat. It has been specifically suggested that below 30% of daily Calorie intake should be derived from fat.

• Protein

Proteins also frequently have large purine concentrations. Fish, such as sardines, mackerel, oysters, scallops, and mussels, as well as red meat can cause gout and should be reduced, or better still avoided altogether.

Large quantities of fatty, high protein white meats, such as pork and poultry, can equally aggravate gout. Sweetbreads made from organ meats like heart, liver or kidney are particularly bad for gout sufferers. Even meat related foods, like beef or chicken broth, bouillon and caviar may produce high uric acid levels.

• Vegetables

Mushrooms, spinach, peas, asparagus, and cauliflower are all purine rich and can therefore cause gout. Yeast and lentil beans equally increase chances of gout flare ups. Beer, consisting of grains and yeast, can therefore raise uric acid levels and should be avoided.

• Dairy Products

High-fat dairy, such as whole milk, butter, cheese and ice cream are similarly believed to be possible causes of gout.It is consequently recommended to replace them with soy alternatives or low to non-fat dairy products.

A complex carbohydrate-rich diet of whole grains like pasta and bread, fruits and vegetables may ease gout symptoms.