When does Uric Acid spike?

[Jason Lowry]

Hi,

First time posting…

I have a two part question that I haven’t been able to find information on.

#1 – After eating a high purine source, how long until uric acid levels start to spike? For example, if I go eat a 12 ounce steak how long would I expect this to get into my system and cause uric acid to rise? If I have a gout attack at night, is it from dinner that night has it been building?

#2 – Based on #1, is there a time of day that is recommended to take allopurinol for maximum effectiveness? Or does it really matter?

Thanks!

[Keith Taylor]

Hi Jason, welcome, and thanks for your questions.

1. Uric acid peaks at 2 to 4 hours after a meal rich in animal purines. That uric acid has nothing to do with gout attacks, except that it might create a platform for gout to happen in months or years to come. If you have a gout attack, it’s due to one or more of several triggers affecting crystals that grew earlier:
a) Dehydration
b) Alcohol induced inflammation
c) Free Fatty Acid (FFA) induced immune reaction
d) Emotional stress
e) Physical trauma
f) Low temperature
g) Drop in uric acid below crystallization point

2. It makes no difference what time of day you take allopurinol. If you take more than one pill per day, it doesn’t matter if you take them together or separately. The best time is whatever suits you personally. Try at different times relating to meals – i.e. full, empty, or part-filled stomach. Most gout sufferers who start allopurinol, also start colchicine as a short term preventative. Colchicine dose is time dependent, so anyone who is unsure should ask for more personal advice.

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