Low Purine Diet

A low-purine diet is often prescribed for individuals with gout and Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome (a rare genetic disorder that occurs in about 1 out of every 100,000 people).  Purines are compounds mainly found in animal protein and are metabolized to uric acid in the body.  An effective diet is important to avoid or reduce complications and lessen the need for drug treatment. The following foods have very high purine levels, and should be avoided completely:

• Anchovies
• Bouillon, Brains, Broth
• Consommé
• Dried legumes
• Goose, Gravy
• Heart, Herring
• Kidneys
• Liver
• Mackerel, Meat extracts, Mincemeat, Mussels
• Partridge
• Roe
• Sardines, Scallops, Shrimp, Sweetbreads
• Yeast (baker's and brewer's), Yeast extracts (e.g., Marmite, Vegemite)

These foods have high purine levels:

• Fish (including shellfish)
• Meat (except those with very high purine content, noted above, or those with moderately high purine levels, noted below)
• Poultry

These foods have moderately high purine levels:

• Asparagus
• Cauliflower
• Legumes, Lentils
• Mushrooms
• Oatmeal
• Peas (dried)
• Soy, Spinach
• Tripe
• Wheat germ and bran, Whole grain breads

Low Purine Foods:

• Butter, Breads and cereals (low-fiber, white flour, or refined grain types)
• Cheese (all kinds), Cocoa, Corn, Cornbread
• Eggs
• Fruit juices, Fruits
• Gelatin
• Ice cream
• Milk
• Noodles, Nuts
• Refined wheat flour
• Tapioca, Tea
• Vegetables (except those noted above)
• Vegetable soups without meat extract or broth
• White rice