What Are Purines?

Many people are aware of purines due to gout. However, few people understand the true meaning and role of these molecules in the body. Purines are one of the basic constituents of DNA.

Purines  create a kind of nitrogenous base  that is indeed a basic element of DNA. Thus, purines are found in human cells and in eaten food, such as meat. 

They also have their own breakdown cycle and excretion system. This process is important because when they break down, they turn into uric acid. If uric acid is not removed properly, it can lead to gout.

There are two basic types of chemicals classified as purines: adenines and guanines. In this article, we will tell you what purines are used for and why your body needs them.

What are purines?

As we have already mentioned, purines form a family of molecules. They are chemical constituents that form part of DNA  as well as other molecules such as RNA. This family includes two important groups: adenines and guanines.

Because they are part of DNA, it is understandable that they occur naturally in the body. The body can actually make them. Certain foods, such as meat and fish, are also very purine.

Purines are involved in several cellular metabolic processes  and protein synthesis. There are many diseases that alter the normal circulation of these molecules. When the process of their removal is disrupted, a person can develop uric acid-related diseases.

Gout is not the only major disease associated with purines, although it is the most common of them. There are also many other diseases that affect their breakdown and are much more serious than gout.

How do purines relate to uric acid?

Purines leave uric acid behind when they break down in tissues. They are usually broken down by the liver and small intestine. The amount of uric acid produced from it depends on several factors.

The most important factor is usually the human diet. This is because the  food eaten is one of the main sources of purine. Almost all of the uric acid is excreted in the urine, although some of it is excreted through the intestines.

When the body produces a lot of uric acid or is unable to get rid of uric acid properly, it can start accumulating in the body. If this happens, it will be recovered in the tissues. It accumulates in the joints, causing arthritis. High levels of uric acid can also cause kidney problems.

Gout is a type of arthritis that can be explained by purines. It mainly affects the big toe joint. It can cause severe pain, redness and swelling in that area.

Why are purines important in the diet?

As we mentioned earlier, food is the main source of purines. This means that diet is a major factor in the development and management of uric acid-induced diseases.

While everyone should ideally follow a healthy and balanced diet, it is even more important that people prone to such diseases monitor the food they eat. Here are some purine-rich foods:

• Meat in general,  be it beef, pork, game or poultry.
• Seafood such as lobster and shellfish.
• Animal liver, muscle stomach or kidneys.
• Fish  such as salmon and anchovies.

When human metabolism has difficulty handling purines, eating these foods should be avoided. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to remove uric acid. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding drinking alcohol is recommended.

Keep in mind

Despite all the advice we give in this article, you should always see a doctor in such a case. It is important to note that  purines are necessary,  but they can also be associated with various diseases. Gout is the most commonly known disease and the arthritis it causes is very painful. That is why it is important to pay attention to it.