Ugh, I didn’t realize low is potentially a problem?
It seems I’ve only had mine tested once, and it was recently 3.0 mg/dl. I will note that my doc did not think that was a problem.
The acceptable range according to labcorp is 3-7.2. Below 6 for gout
I wonder if my taking colchicine lowers it also.
I’m going to get my tsh and vit d tested today… maybe I should tack this on?
I think it is one of those things where very low can be an issue, but this probably varies from person to person.
Checking Chat GPT on Low Uric Acid levels and any health implications:
Low uric acid levels (hypouricemia) are uncommon but can be associated with various health problems. While mild hypouricemia may not cause significant issues, persistently low levels can be linked to the following conditions:
1. Kidney and Urinary Problems
- Impaired Kidney Function – Low uric acid may indicate underlying kidney problems, such as Fanconi syndrome, where the kidneys fail to properly reabsorb essential nutrients.
- Increased Risk of Kidney Stones – Paradoxically, low uric acid (especially due to xanthinuria, a rare genetic disorder) can lead to xanthine stone formation, which is harder to detect and treat than uric acid stones.
2. Neurological Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Some studies suggest a link between low uric acid and an increased risk of MS, possibly due to reduced antioxidant protection.
- Parkinson’s Disease – Low uric acid levels have been associated with a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s, as uric acid helps neutralize oxidative stress.
- Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease – Since uric acid functions as an antioxidant, very low levels may contribute to neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment.
3. Metabolic and Genetic Disorders
- Xanthinuria – A rare genetic condition where the body cannot convert xanthine into uric acid, leading to muscle pain, kidney stones, and potential kidney damage.
- Wilson’s Disease – A disorder of copper metabolism that can cause low uric acid levels along with liver and neurological issues.
- Hypoparathyroidism – Low uric acid may be seen in disorders affecting calcium and phosphate metabolism.
4. Muscle and Fatigue Issues
- Exercise-Induced Myopathy – Some cases of low uric acid have been linked to muscle fatigue and weakness, potentially due to metabolic imbalances.
- Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome (Rare Cases) – Though typically associated with high uric acid, some variations can lead to impaired uric acid production.
5. Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Deficiency
- Uric acid acts as a natural antioxidant. Chronically low levels may make the body more susceptible to oxidative damage, which can contribute to inflammatory diseases and aging-related conditions.
6. Medication and Drug-Induced Issues
Certain medications can cause low uric acid levels, leading to side effects such as increased fatigue, kidney dysfunction, or altered metabolism:
- Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, thiazides) – Can increase uric acid excretion.
- Aspirin (Low Doses) – Can reduce uric acid reabsorption.
- Allopurinol or Febuxostat – Used to treat gout but can sometimes cause excessively low uric acid levels.
Should You Be Concerned About Low Uric Acid?
While low uric acid is not always a direct cause of disease, it can be a sign of underlying metabolic or kidney issues. If you experience symptoms like muscle weakness, neurological changes, frequent urination, or kidney stones, it’s best to consult a doctor to evaluate potential causes.
Thank you. Because I have an apoe4 and lots of neurodegernative disease in my family, I guess I’m concerned low levels might be related.
I don’t know yet if trying to raise levels is helpful in this case. I did see, according to perplexity, the colchicine I’m taking does not lower levels.
Perhaps consider raising uric acid levels via some healthy foods? (choose those you like from below, avoid those that are not so healthy).
If you’re looking to increase uric acid levels, you should focus on foods that are rich in purines, as they break down into uric acid in the body. Here are some foods that can help:
1. High-Purine Animal-Based Foods
- Red Meat – Beef, lamb, and pork contain high levels of purines.
- Organ Meats – Liver, kidneys, and heart are particularly rich in purines.
- Seafood – Sardines, anchovies, mackerel, herring, shrimp, and mussels have high purine content.
2. Protein-Rich Foods
- Poultry – Chicken and turkey contain moderate-to-high purines.
- Eggs – While lower in purines, eggs provide protein that supports overall metabolism.
3. Legumes and Plant-Based Sources
- Lentils, Chickpeas, and Beans – Moderate sources of purines that can help increase uric acid.
- Spinach and Mushrooms – These vegetables contain purines, though they are less likely to cause health issues compared to animal-based purines.
4. Dairy Products (Mild Effect)
- Full-Fat Dairy – Cheese, whole milk, and yogurt may have a slight effect on uric acid levels, though they are generally considered safe for most people.
5. Sugary and Processed Foods
- Fructose-Rich Foods – High-fructose corn syrup found in sodas, processed snacks, and fruit juices can increase uric acid production.
- Honey and Table Sugar – High consumption can contribute to raised uric acid levels.
6. Alcohol
- Beer and Liquor – Contain purines and increase uric acid production while also impairing its excretion.
- Wine – Has a lesser effect compared to beer but can still contribute to increased levels.
Should You Be Concerned?
While increasing purine-rich foods can raise uric acid levels, excessive intake may increase the risk of gout and kidney stones. If you’re trying to balance uric acid levels for health reasons, consult a doctor before making major dietary changes.
From what I’m researching (because my Uric acid level is very low, due to the empagliflozin) its actually not a bad thing …
When uric acid levels are low due to the use of SGLT2 inhibitors (like empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, or canagliflozin), the effect on the body is usually neutral to beneficial, but here’s a breakdown of what can happen:
Mechanism
SGLT2 inhibitors:
- Cause glucosuria (loss of glucose in urine).
- Increase uric acid excretion in urine by altering kidney tubule transport (especially via GLUT9 and URAT1 transporters).
- This leads to lower serum uric acid levels.
Potential Benefits of Lower Uric Acid
- Reduced gout risk: Lower uric acid reduces the likelihood of urate crystal deposition in joints.
- Less inflammation: Uric acid is pro-inflammatory in some tissues; lowering it may reduce systemic inflammation.
- Improved cardiovascular profile: High uric acid is associated with hypertension, insulin resistance, and heart disease—so lowering it may help.
Potential (Rare) Effects or Concerns
While hypouricemia is rarely harmful, especially when caused by medications, very low levels or certain contexts could lead to:
1. Kidney stone risk
- Increased uric acid in urine (uricosuria) can increase stone formation, particularly if the urine is acidic.
2. Loss of antioxidant protection
- Uric acid is an antioxidant in plasma. Very low levels might slightly reduce protection against oxidative stress, though this is not clearly harmful.
3. Marker of other renal effects
- Significant hypouricemia might reflect proximal tubule dysfunction (e.g., Fanconi-like syndrome), but SGLT2 inhibitors alone rarely cause this unless combined with other insults.
4. Potential for electrolyte disturbances
- Because SGLT2 inhibitors also cause osmotic diuresis, mild dehydration and changes in sodium or potassium levels may accompany the uricosuria, but these are separate effects.
Bottom Line:
Low uric acid due to SGLT2 inhibitors is generally beneficial or neutral. It reduces gout risk and may support metabolic and cardiovascular health. However, extremely low levels or symptoms like kidney pain or frequent stones might warrant further evaluation.
Would you like to know what a “low” uric acid level typically means numerically (in mg/dL), or how to monitor for potential issues?
My father just got his first kidney stone last week.
It’s probably due to the SGLT2I.
Guess what helps with kidney stones (hint a tricarboxylate)
Can you recommend a good tricarboxylate? 
I go for a mix of … wait for it … citrate salts
I’m not sure it’s the SGLT2i that’s responsible. I’ve posted studies showing these agents being protective against kidney stones, but I’m assuming he’s taking empagliflozin? If so, empa shows possible 40% lower risk, at least in diabetics, and there is no reason to think it’s different in nondiabetics.
Empagliflozin and Decreased Risk of Nephrolithiasis: A Potential New Role for SGLT2 Inhibition?
That doesn’t prove empa - or any SGLT2i - didn’t cause his kidney stone, but there’s no indication that it’s more likely.
Allipurinol made me faint and dizzy. I had to hold onto something solid to regain my balance. Febuxostat, on the other hand, does a good job of decreasing uric acid and has a lower side-effect profile. As a bonus, it eliminated the pedema caused by amlodipine.
I’m in jardiance 25mg every morning. After taking it for a month my uric acid went from 0.55 to 0.39. (0.44 is the max level). I’m getting tested again in 3 weeks. Hopefully it will be lower. I almost didn’t have any gout attack since.
On an SGLT2 inhibitor I can’t get my Uric acid above 4.0
Introduction to Biomarkers and Longevity
Significance of Uric Acid Levels
Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) and Longevity
Biomarkers Associated with Lower Odds of Living to 100
Strategies for Improving Longevity
Perhaps a note of optimism for those whose UA levels are mildly elevated above optimal by the consumption of a nutrient rich purine rich diet. I won’t post the studies and generalizations at this time but the highest generalization is that slightly elevated UA from a high purine diet, especially when the purine source is beans, cauliflower, spinach, etc. does not elevate risks commonly associated with UA and likely reduces them. Not true, however, if you add alcohol and fructose as causes.
Following is one line of reasoning:
Fructose vs. Purine-derived hyperuricemia
UA derived from fructose
Purine-derived UA from whole foods
If concerned about gout, one can take oyster mushrooms, because it has high anti-gout xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitory activity.
I am an advocate of treating high uric acid as aggressively as high blood pressure. Too much acid in the blood can eat away at your insides and turn you into a xenomorph, like the creature in “The Alien.”
I’m not an expert on gout or uric acid I but thought this was interesting in understanding why the body ‘thinks’ that having a propensity for raised uric acid levels and resultant gout is a good thing
Without uricase to reduce the levels of uric acid , humans are left vulnerable to gout.
Evolutionary pressures phased out the uricase gene in several different primate lineages some 20 to 29 million years ago. The thinking is that back then, extra uric acid was beneficial for converting fruit sugar into fat, to help survive food shortages.
https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-revive-20-million-year-old-gene-to-help-fight-gout
skip jardiance every second time… that is what I plan to do or take a lower dose, like 12.5mg.
