Researchers studied over 4,300 people from coastal China to understand which foods might increase the risk of hyperuricemia—a condition where your body has too much uric acid, which can lead to gout. They found that eating lots of meat, fish, seafood, fried foods, and sweets was linked to higher uric acid levels. Interestingly, younger people (under 60) seemed more affected by these foods than older adults. The good news is that moderating these foods, especially cutting back on fried foods and sweets, might help prevent this painful condition.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Which eating patterns increase the chances of developing high uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) in the body
  • Who participated: 4,326 adults from Southeast coastal Chinese communities of various ages, selected through a community health survey
  • Key finding: People who ate the most animal products, fried foods, and sweets had a 36% higher risk of developing high uric acid compared to those who ate the least of these foods
  • What it means for you: If you’re under 60 and eat lots of meat, fish, fried foods, and desserts, you may want to eat these foods in smaller amounts to reduce your risk of gout and related health problems. However, this study was done in one region of China, so results may differ for other populations.

The Research Details

Researchers collected detailed information about what 4,326 people ate using a food questionnaire. They then used a statistical method called principal component analysis to group similar eating patterns together. This helped them identify four main dietary patterns in the community. They then used another statistical method to see which eating patterns were connected to higher uric acid levels in the blood. The researchers also looked at whether weight, cholesterol, and fatty liver disease might explain why certain diets increase uric acid.

This approach is like taking a snapshot of people’s eating habits at one point in time and comparing those habits to their current health markers. It’s useful for finding patterns but can’t prove that one food causes the problem.

Understanding which foods are linked to high uric acid is important because it affects millions of people worldwide. Gout is painful and can lead to other health problems. Since previous studies showed different results in different countries, this research helps us understand whether these patterns are specific to certain populations or more universal.

This study is fairly reliable because it included a large number of people (over 4,300) from a real community. The researchers used a validated food questionnaire, meaning the tool they used to measure eating habits has been tested and proven to work well. However, the study only looked at people from one coastal region of China, so the results may not apply to everyone everywhere. The study shows associations (connections) between foods and uric acid, but cannot prove that the foods directly cause high uric acid.

What the Results Show

The researchers identified four main eating patterns in the community. The pattern most strongly linked to high uric acid included lots of meat, fish, seafood, bean products, sweets, desserts, and fried foods. People who ate this way the most had a 36% higher chance of having high uric acid compared to those who ate this way the least.

A second important finding was that age matters. People under 60 years old showed much stronger connections between these foods and high uric acid than people 60 and older. This suggests that younger people may be more vulnerable to the effects of these foods on uric acid levels.

The researchers also discovered that the increased risk in younger people appeared to be partly explained by weight gain and changes in cholesterol and liver health. In other words, eating these foods may lead to weight gain and metabolic changes, which then increase uric acid levels.

The study identified other eating patterns that were less strongly associated with high uric acid. A diet higher in protein combined with fried foods, sweets, and desserts also increased risk, though the effect was similar to the main pattern. The researchers found that body mass index (weight relative to height) and fatty liver disease were important factors that helped explain why certain diets increased uric acid risk.

Previous research has shown that meat, seafood, and alcohol increase uric acid, but results have been inconsistent across different countries and populations. This study confirms those findings in a Chinese population and adds new information by showing that age is an important factor. It also provides evidence that weight gain and metabolic changes may be the mechanism explaining why these foods increase uric acid risk.

This study only included people from one coastal region of China, so results may not apply to other populations or countries. The study captured eating habits at one point in time, so we don’t know if people’s diets changed over time. The researchers couldn’t prove that these foods directly cause high uric acid—only that they’re associated with it. Some people may have had undiagnosed health conditions that affected both their diet and uric acid levels. The study didn’t measure alcohol consumption, which is known to affect uric acid.

The Bottom Line

If you’re under 60 years old, consider moderating your intake of meat, fish, seafood, fried foods, and sweets to help prevent high uric acid levels. This recommendation has moderate confidence because it’s based on a large study, but it’s specific to coastal Chinese populations and may not apply equally to everyone. Maintaining a healthy weight appears to be particularly important. These changes should be gradual and sustainable rather than extreme.

This research is most relevant for people under 60 years old, especially those with a family history of gout or high uric acid. People who already have gout or are at risk for it should definitely pay attention. People over 60 may benefit less from these dietary changes based on this study, though maintaining a healthy diet is always important. People from other ethnic backgrounds should be cautious about applying these findings directly to themselves.

Changes in uric acid levels can happen relatively quickly—sometimes within weeks to a few months of dietary changes. However, preventing gout attacks and related complications is a long-term goal that requires sustained dietary changes over months and years. Weight loss, if needed, typically takes several months to show effects on uric acid levels.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly servings of meat, fish, seafood, fried foods, and sweets separately. Set a goal to reduce each category by 25-30% over 4 weeks and monitor changes in portion sizes and frequency.
  • Use the app to log meals and identify which high-risk foods appear most often in your diet. Start by replacing one fried food meal per week with a grilled option, and swap one dessert for fresh fruit. Track these specific swaps to build momentum.
  • Check in monthly on your weight and dietary pattern adherence. If possible, get uric acid levels tested every 3-6 months to see if dietary changes are working. Use the app to create a visual trend showing your progress over time.

This research suggests associations between certain foods and high uric acid levels but does not prove direct causation. Results are based on a Chinese population and may not apply equally to all ethnic groups or regions. If you have gout, high uric acid, or related health conditions, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always discuss dietary modifications with your healthcare provider, especially if you’re taking medications for gout or other conditions.