Everything You Need To Know About Purines
Many people know about purines because of their relationship with gout. However, few people understand the true importance of these molecules and their role in the body. Purines are one of the compounds that make up the fundamental parts of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
Purines are a type of nitrogenous base, which, as we mentioned, is a fundamental element needed to produce DNA. Therefore, they are found in cells and in the foods you eat (for example, meat).
In addition, purines have their own cycle of decomposition and elimination from the body. This process is important because when it breaks down, it turns into uric acid. If uric acid is not eliminated properly, it can cause gout.
Among the chemicals classified as purines, there are two basic types: adenine and guanine. In this article, we will discuss at length about purines and their importance in the human body.
Purine information
As already mentioned, purines are a family of molecules. They are chemical compounds that make up some of the DNA and other molecules, such as ribonucleic acid (RNA).
Because they are part of human DNA, it makes sense to exist naturally in the body. In fact, the body can produce purines. In addition, certain foods, such as red meat and fish, are very rich in purines.
Purines participate in many cellular metabolic processes and also in protein synthesis. There are many disorders that change the normal cycle of these molecules. For example, when their elimination process is affected, you may develop diseases related to excess uric acid, such as gout.
But gout is not the only major purine-related disease, although it is the most common. There are many disorders that affect the breakdown of purines, which are more serious than gout.
About the connection between purines and uric acid
Purines, when broken down into tissues, leave uric acid behind. The liver and small intestine break down the purines normally. The amount of uric acid produced depends on several factors.
In general, the most important factor is diet. The food you eat is one of the most important sources of purine. Almost all uric acid is excreted in the urine, although some of it is excreted in the intestines.
When a lot of uric acid accumulates in the body or it cannot be eliminated properly, various diseases occur. Uric acid is deposited in tissues in the form of gouty tufts. It usually builds up in the joints, causing arthritis. A high concentration of uric acid can also cause kidney problems.
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by purines. It mainly affects the thumb joint. It also causes intense pain, redness and swelling.
Why are purines important when it comes to diet?
Although, ideally, everyone should follow a healthy and balanced diet, it is even more important that people prone to these diseases follow closely what they eat. Foods very rich in purines are:
- Meat in general, whether it is beef, pork, game or poultry
- Marine animals such as lobster or mussels
- Fish such as smoked salmon or anchovies
