Are Brussel Sprouts Low in Purine? Unveiling the Facts for Gout Sufferers

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Recent research places cooked Brussels sprouts in the low-purine food category, containing around 25 milligrams of purine per 100 grams. This challenges previous dietary advice, which often incorrectly classified certain vegetables.

Quick Summary

Brussels sprouts are low in purines and can be a healthy addition to a gout-friendly diet. Studies show that plant-based purines have a lesser impact on uric acid compared to animal-based sources, making Brussels sprouts a suitable choice.

Key Points

Low Purine Levels: Cooked Brussels sprouts contain around 25mg of purine per 100g, classifying them as low-purine.
Plant-Based Purines: Purines from vegetables do not significantly raise uric acid levels or increase gout risk compared to animal-based sources.
Rich in Nutrients: Brussels sprouts are high in Vitamin C and fiber, providing anti-inflammatory benefits and supporting healthy weight management.
Debunking Myths: Misconceptions about Brussels sprouts' purine content stem from older, less accurate dietary recommendations.
Safe for Gout Diets: For individuals with gout, Brussels sprouts are a safe and healthy food to include as part of a balanced diet.
Cooking Matters: Avoid preparing Brussels sprouts with high-purine or high-fat ingredients, like bacon, to maintain their low-purine profile.

The Role of Purines and Uric Acid in Gout

Purines, natural compounds in all living things, break down into uric acid within the body. Usually, the kidneys filter uric acid. However, in people with gout, excessive uric acid can crystallize in joints, resulting in painful inflammation. Managing purine intake is a central part of controlling gout symptoms.

Plant vs. Animal: The Purine Source Debate

Earlier dietary guidelines often grouped all purine-rich foods together, leading to misunderstandings about vegetables like Brussels sprouts. Modern science, however, emphasizes the importance of a food's purine source. Studies have demonstrated that high-purine vegetables do not increase gout risk or raise uric acid levels as significantly as animal-based foods. The exact mechanisms are still under investigation, but it's believed that compounds in vegetables, like vitamin C and fiber, may counteract the effects of purines.

Brussels Sprouts: Setting the Record Straight

The idea that Brussels sprouts are high in purines is a common misconception. With approximately 25 mg of purine per 100 grams, they are firmly within the low-purine range, which is typically defined as foods with less than 50 mg of purine per 100 grams. Confusion often stems from older dietary guidelines that categorized certain vegetables, including Brussels sprouts and spinach, without the current scientific understanding.

Comparing Purine Levels: Brussels Sprouts in Context

Comparing Brussels sprouts to other foods helps to put their purine content in perspective. High-purine foods, such as organ meats and specific seafood, have significantly more purines and pose the greatest dietary concerns for those with gout.


Food Category	Example Food	Approximate Purine Content (mg/100g)	Gout Management Recommendation
Low Purine	Brussels Sprouts	25	Safe for regular consumption
Low Purine	Blueberries	22	Highly Recommended
Low Purine	Carrots	6	Safe for regular consumption
Low Purine	Eggs	0-10	Safe for regular consumption
Moderate Purine	Chicken Breast	~138	Eat in moderation
High Purine	Sardines	~399	Avoid or limit
Very High Purine	Beef Kidney	~440	Avoid

Nutritional Benefits Beyond Purines

Focusing solely on purine levels can overshadow the significant nutritional benefits of Brussels sprouts. These cruciferous vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that can aid overall health and gout management:

Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant, Vitamin C may help lower uric acid levels by increasing excretion through the kidneys.
Fiber: The high fiber content of Brussels sprouts supports digestive health and aids in maintaining a healthy weight, which is another crucial factor in gout management.
Folate: An essential B-vitamin supporting many bodily functions, contributing to overall wellness.
Antioxidants: Brussels sprouts contain antioxidants that combat inflammation, a key component of gout flares.

Integrating Brussels Sprouts Safely into Your Diet

For most, including those with gout, Brussels sprouts are a healthy and delicious dietary choice. Consider these tips:

Practice Moderation: Maintain a balanced diet, and eat a variety of vegetables rather than depending on just one.
Choose Preparation Methods Carefully: Roasting, steaming, or boiling Brussels sprouts can be great ways to prepare them. Avoid high-fat sauces or high-purine ingredients like bacon, which negate the low-purine benefits.
Embrace Greens: Do not let outdated advice prevent the consumption of nutrient-rich vegetables. The benefits of a plant-rich diet generally far outweigh the potential risk from the low level of purines in Brussels sprouts and other vegetables.

For thorough nutritional information for managing gout, consult a reliable resource like the Mayo Clinic's gout diet guidelines.

Conclusion: Enjoy Brussels Sprouts with Confidence

The concern that Brussels sprouts are high in purines is a myth rooted in outdated or misconstrued dietary advice. In fact, they are low in purines and are an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and other vital nutrients. For those managing gout, including Brussels sprouts in a balanced diet is safe and can contribute to overall health. Consulting a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for a personalized nutrition plan is always advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, they are. Brussels sprouts are a low-purine vegetable and current research suggests that plant-based purines do not significantly increase gout risk. They are also packed with beneficial nutrients like Vitamin C, which can aid in managing the condition.

No. While some vegetables were previously cautioned against, modern studies show they don't impact gout symptoms as much as high-purine animal foods. The overall health benefits of these vegetables often outweigh any minimal risk.

The body processes purines differently depending on the source. The presence of fiber and other compounds in vegetables seems to lessen any potential negative effects on uric acid levels.

The difference is substantial. Brussels sprouts have around 25mg of purine per 100g, while a high-purine organ meat, such as beef kidney, has over 400mg. This is why dietary management for gout focuses more on limiting animal-based purines.

Yes, it is safe and healthy. For people with gout, moderation within a balanced diet is advisable, but there is no need to avoid them due to purine concerns.

Many fruits, most vegetables (including broccoli, carrots, and kale), low-fat dairy products, eggs, and nuts are considered low in purines. A diet for gout should prioritize these food groups while limiting high-purine meats and seafood.

To maximize benefits, avoid preparing them with high-purine ingredients such as bacon or in rich, high-fat sauces. Healthy cooking methods like roasting, steaming, or sautéing with a little olive oil are best.