What Foods Contain Purines?

Purines are found in the cells of the human body as well as the foods we eat. This substance is vital in maintaining the genetic structure of all living things. The consumption of purine-rich foods increases the creation of uric acids, which prevents blood vessel damage and acts as an antioxidant. Some foods are higher in purines than others.

Levels

• Foods high in purine contain up to 1,000mg of the substance per serving. Moderate purine levels are considered to account for 5 to 100mg per serving.

High Levels

• Examples of food with high purine levels include sweetbreads, fish such as sardines and anchovies, liver and kidney meats, and gravies of any kind.

Moderate Levels

• Meat of all kinds falls into the moderate purine category. These include chicken, beef and ham. Halibut, bluefish and carp are several types of fish with moderate purine levels.

Alternatives

• For vegetarians, beans are also a moderate source of purine. Lima beans, navy beans and kidney beans are all good sources of the substance.

Missing

• Some diets require foods low in purine. Grains, tea and coffee as well as fruits and vegetables all have low levels of purine