Purine (Renal Nutrition 101)

What is Purine?

Purine is a compound that is mainly found in meat (beef, poultry, pork, fish) and when metabolized breaks down into uric acid. When you eat a diet that is high in protein, you have higher uric acid levels. This may increase your risk of forming kidney stones.

How much protein am I allowed to eat?

Most of you will be able to reduce your uric acid levels by diet alone. Avoid eating organ meats , (i.e. liver and brain). Reduce your daily intake of meats to 6-8 ounces per day. This includes beef, poultry, pork, and fish. Many patients have been told to limit their red meat intake or cut down on saturated fats (for other medical reasons) and have overcompensated by eating higher levels of poultry, pork, and seafood; it is important to understand that these food items are high in protein as well.
In practical terms this means cutting back on portion sizes; a smaller steak, one less chicken leg, etc. It is not realistic to be too exact in this area. There is no need to know the protein composition of every food. High protein foods include all meat, poultry, pork, fish, and eggs.

Why are my Uric Acid levels so high?

There are some patients who simply produce more uric acid than others, regardless of their protein intake. If you are one of these patients, then your doctor may prescribe you a medication called Allopurinol.

This Drug has been proven successful in lowering urine uric acid levels. Allopurinol has been used in treating patients with gout, a painful, metabolic disease that is caused by excessive uric acid buildup.

High Sources of Purine:

*Liver and other glandular organs
*Anchovies
*Sardines
*Gravy
*Meat extracts

*Fishes: Alumahan, Bangus, Matang-baka, Tamban, Tanigi, Tunsoy, Bisugo, Tulingan

Moderate Sources of Purine:
*Fish *Seafoods *Meat *Beans *Peas *Asparagus * Grahams Biscuits
*Mushrooms *Cauliflower *Spinach

• Finsfishes and shellfishes: Dalagang bukid, galunggong, Halaan, Hasa-hasa, Hipon ( puti), Maya-maya, Pusit, Tahong, Tambakol, Talaba, Tilapia, Tulya, Tuwakang

Purine Free-foods:
*Breads *Cereals *Milk and Milk Products
*Eggs *Fruits *Vegetables *Sugars and other sweets

References

Jamorabo-Ruiz A,Claudio VS, and de Castro EE. 2004. Medical Nutrition Therapy for Filipinos 6th Edition. Manila, Philippines:Merriam and Webster Bookstore Inc.

Mahan LK and escott-stump s.(editors).2004. krause’s food and nutrition therapy. 11th edition. St. Louis, Missouri:Elsevier