Low Purine Diet Foods

Low-purine diets are often associated with gout treatments. Purines are found in proteins and when ingested metabolize into uric acid. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid deposits in connective tissue and joints. The deposits are a result of dietary purine metabolism and metabolism at the cellular level. The low-purine diet is often temporary and used either as part of treatment or prevention of gout.

The Facts

Factors that make a person at risks for gout include obesity; dieting methods, such as fasting or a low-carbohydrate diet; hypertension or use of diuretic medications. The number one goal when treating gout is minimizing pain. Doctors often will prescribe medication. Occasionally, diet changes are recommended.
Most uric acid deposits are caused by natural cell turnover in the body. About 30 percent of uric acid results from dietary intake of purines. A low-purine diet may be part of treatment or prevention. Limiting dietary purines will not decrease uric acid accumulation in joints, but will help the body avoid extra metabolic stress. On a purine-restricted diet, purines are often limited to 100-150 milligrams per day.

Foods High in Purine Content

Foods very high in purine content should be avoided completely. Examples of such foods include, anchovies, bouillon, broths, herring, mackerel, meat extracts, mince meat, mussels, sardines, scallops, sweetbreads and yeast supplements.

Foods with Moderate Purine Content

The two categories of foods with moderate purine contents are meat and vegetables. The meat category includes beef, fish, poultry and shellfish. The vegetable category includes asparagus, dried beans, lentils, mushrooms, dried peas and spinach. Foods from each category should be limited to one serving. In other words, on a purine-restricted diet one daily serving from the moderate purine meat list is acceptable, and one daily serving of a vegetable from the moderate purine vegetable list is acceptable.

Foods With Small Purine Contents

Foods with very small purine contents can be eaten daily at any meal. Examples of these foods are white bread, crackers, butter, margarine, cake, cookies, carbonated beverages, cereal, cereal products, cheese, chocolate, coffee, tea, condiments, cornbread, cream, custard, eggs, fats, vegetables (except those with moderate fat content), fruit, gelatin, herbs, ice cream, milk, pasta, nuts, oils, pickles, popcorn, pudding, relishes, rice, salt, vinegar and white sauce.

Sample Meals

The following is a list of low-purine meals:
1. Eggs, toast, butter, glass of milk, coffee
2. French toast or pancakes with orange juice, coffee
3. Macaroni and cheese, cooked green beans, butterscotch pudding, milk
4. Grilled cheese sandwich with tomatoes, apple
5. Vegetable pizza
6. Vegetable lasagna
7. Casseroles with limited meats