What is uric acid?
Uric acid is naturally present in small amounts in the body. It is a waste product that results from the body’s normal process of cells dying and releasing purines, as well as the body absorbing purines contained in certain foods. Uric acid is normally dissolved in the blood and passes through the kidneys into the urine. When too much uric acid is produced, or the kidneys are unable to eliminate an adequate amount of uric acid, it may lead to a condition known as hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia is a precursor to gout, but it is important to note that hyperuricemia does not always result in developing gout.
