Purine metabolism end product
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About Uric Acid
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About Uric Acid
Overview and History
Uric acid is a small, heterocyclic organic molecule produced when the body breaks down purine nucleotides. Biochemically it is the oxidized end product of xanthine metabolism and circulates largely as the urate anion in serum. Laboratory measurement is typically performed by enzymatic or colorimetric assays on a blood sample.
Beyond its role as a disposal product, uric acid has biochemical activity in the bloodstream, including antioxidant properties. Clinically, serum uric acid has long been measured as a marker that integrates production (cell turnover, dietary purines) and clearance (renal filtration and tubular handling), so it can help flag shifts in metabolic or excretory function over time.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
Higher-than-usual serum uric acid levels may reflect increased production (higher purine turnover, certain metabolic states, or intake patterns) or reduced renal clearance, and can be influenced by hydration, medications, and genetic factors. Lower-than-usual levels may indicate reduced production, increased renal loss, poor nutritional intake, or effects of some medications or metabolic pathways. Interpretation is most informative when viewed alongside related markers in the Foundation Zoomer—kidney function tests, metabolic indicators, hydration status, and markers of cell turnover—to identify broader physiological patterns.
Featured Test
Uric acid is included in the Foundation Zoomer to assess the balance between purine production and renal clearance and to add context to metabolic and excretory patterns. Paired with kidney markers, metabolic and inflammatory indicators, it helps clinicians detect shifts in whole-body homeostasis and prioritize further evaluation within a systems-based care plan.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
Suzanne Barker
MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator
Suzette Garcia
MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
Brooke Mader Ganev
MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator
Adair Anderson
MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
Lillie Luu Nguyen
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
Emaline Brown
ND- Clinical Educator
Dana Filatova
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
