uric acid is a chemical breakdown product of metabolism. the liver produces uric acid by breaking down other chemicals called purines. uric acid is normally found in the blood in low concentrations. some people are prone to high uric acid levels which can sometimes lead to gout kidney stones or kidney damage. people with gout nearly always have high blood levels of uric acid although their levels may sometimes drop down to the normal range. due to the high uric acid concentration and other factors experts don’t understand uric acid crystals can form inside joints. during gout attacks uric acid crystal deposits cause joints to become inflamed swollen red and painful. exercise reduced red meat and alcohol intake and medications can help keep uric acid levels in the normal range.
what is uric acid?