Urate (UA)

Urate (UA), or uric acid, is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines, substances found in many foods and produced naturally in the body. Normally, urate dissolves in the blood, passes through the kidneys, and is excreted in urine. However, high levels of urate, known as hyperuricemia, can lead to the formation of crystals that deposit in joints and tissues, causing gout—a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling.

 

Urate levels can be influenced by diet, genetics, and other health conditions. Consuming foods high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood, can raise urate levels. Additionally, kidney dysfunction, obesity, and certain medications can impair urate excretion. While not everyone with high urate levels develops gout, managing urate through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medications is crucial for preventing gout attacks and maintaining joint health.