Uric acid is often one of the numbers people pay attention to when they receive their medical check-up (MCU) results. The term sometimes causes anxiety because it is frequently linked with joint pain. In fact, understanding what uric acid actually is can help you respond to your results more calmly.
What is uric acid?
Uric acid is a substance that forms naturally when the body breaks down compounds called purines. Purines come from normal processes within the body and also from some types of food. Most uric acid dissolves in the blood, is then filtered by the kidneys, and is removed through urine. As long as its production and removal are balanced, its level tends to stay in check.
What can affect its level
Uric acid levels can rise or fall for a variety of reasons, and often not because of a single cause. Some of the factors commonly mentioned include:
- Diet — some types of food and drink can affect uric acid levels.
- Fluid intake — being low on fluids can affect the test results.
- Kidney function — because the kidneys play a role in removing uric acid from the body.
- Inherited factors — some people naturally have a different tendency.
Because of these many factors, the result of a single test does not necessarily describe your condition fully.
A high number does not necessarily mean disease
A uric acid level above the reference range does not always mean a person has a particular disease. Some people have higher levels without any symptoms at all, while others may experience symptoms. The reference range can also differ between laboratories. For this reason, the meaning of a number is best assessed by a doctor, who can connect it with symptoms, medical history, and other test results.
This piece aims to help you understand your results, not to establish a diagnosis. If your uric acid level appears high or you feel symptoms such as joint pain, it is best to consult a doctor, including a 20FIT doctor, so it can be assessed according to your condition.