Do eggs increase purine levels? A guide to eggs and gout

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

While a 100-gram serving of pork liver can contain over 280 milligrams of purines, the average hen's egg contains virtually no detectable purines. This means that contrary to some health misconceptions, eggs do not increase purine levels and are a safe dietary option.

Quick Summary

Eggs are a low-purine protein source, making them a safe food choice for individuals concerned about high uric acid levels or managing gout. This is in stark contrast to high-purine foods like organ meats and some seafood.

Key Points

Low-Purine Protein: Eggs contain very low to negligible purine levels, making them a safe protein source for managing uric acid and gout.
No Gout Trigger: Research indicates that eggs do not increase purine levels and are not associated with an increased risk of gout flare-ups.
Yolk vs. White: The vast majority of purines in an egg (though still very low) are in the yolk, but the egg white is virtually purine-free.
Healthy Pairings: For a gout-friendly meal, combine eggs with low-purine vegetables, whole grains, or low-fat dairy while avoiding high-purine accompaniments like bacon.
Dietary Management Tool: Including eggs is a positive step for diet-based gout management, but it should be part of a broader strategy that may include medication as directed by a doctor.
High-Purine Food Contrast: In stark contrast to eggs, foods like organ meats, certain seafood, and red meats are very high in purines and should be limited or avoided.

Understanding Purines and Their Effect on the Body

Purines are natural chemical compounds found in various foods and also produced by the body. During digestion, the body breaks down purines, and the final waste product is uric acid. Under normal circumstances, the kidneys efficiently process and excrete this uric acid. However, if the body either produces too much uric acid or the kidneys cannot remove it effectively, uric acid levels can become elevated, a condition known as hyperuricemia. This can lead to the formation of urate crystals that deposit in the joints, causing the painful form of arthritis known as gout. For this reason, those with gout or at risk of it often need to manage their intake of purine-rich foods.

The Truth About Eggs and Purine Levels

Research has consistently shown that eggs are a low-purine food, making them an excellent protein choice for individuals on a gout-friendly diet. A 2014 study published in the J-STAGE Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin found that hen's eggs have virtually no detectable purine content. This is a critical distinction from other animal proteins, such as organ meats and certain seafood, which are very high in purines and should be limited or avoided.

Breaking down the egg, the purine content is almost nonexistent in the egg white (albumin) and extremely low in the yolk. This is good news for those with concerns about uric acid, as it means eggs can be enjoyed without fear of a gout flare-up. In fact, due to their low purine profile, eggs can serve as a beneficial protein source that helps maintain a balanced diet while controlling uric acid levels.

Incorporating Eggs into a Low-Purine Diet

Incorporating eggs into a balanced, low-purine diet is simple and offers many health benefits. The key is to focus on healthy preparation methods and avoid pairing them with high-purine foods. Here are some tips:

Healthy Pairings: Pair eggs with low-purine vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions. Serve scrambled eggs on whole-grain toast instead of with high-purine meats like bacon.
Versatile Preparation: Eggs can be enjoyed in various forms, including hard-boiled as a snack, poached over a whole-wheat English muffin, or in a vegetable omelet.
Consider the DASH Diet: Following a dietary pattern like the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy while including eggs, can be beneficial for overall health and gout management.

Comparison: Low-Purine Eggs vs. High-Purine Foods

To illustrate just how low in purines eggs are, consider this comparison table. This highlights why eggs are a safe bet, while certain other foods must be managed carefully, especially for those with gout.


Food Category	Examples	Purine Content (per 100g)	Recommendation for Gout	Why Eggs Differ
Eggs (Chicken)	Whole Egg, White, Yolk	0-10 mg	Safe	Nearly non-existent purine content.
Organ Meats	Liver, Kidneys, Sweetbreads	150-1000 mg+	Avoid completely	Very high purine levels directly raise uric acid.
Certain Seafood	Sardines, Anchovies, Scallops	150-400 mg+	Avoid or limit	Extremely high purine content that can trigger flares.
Red Meat	Beef, Lamb, Pork	80-150 mg	Limit intake	Moderately high in purines, should be consumed in moderation.
Beer/Yeast	Beer, Yeast Extracts	Varies	Avoid	Stimulates purine production and excretion interference.

The Broader Context of Gout Management

While a low-purine diet is a valuable tool, it is important to remember that diet is only one aspect of managing gout. Many people with the condition will also require medication to effectively control their uric acid levels. Limiting alcohol, particularly beer and hard liquor, is also critical, as it can both contribute to purines and hinder uric acid excretion. Another factor to consider is the high fructose corn syrup often found in sodas and processed foods, which can also increase uric acid levels.

Working with a healthcare provider to create a comprehensive treatment plan is the most effective approach. Diet can help reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks but is not a standalone cure. Choosing nutrient-dense, low-purine foods like eggs, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy is a positive step toward better health and gout management. For more information on gout management and debunking common myths, check out the resources from the Gout Education Society at GoutEducation.org.

Conclusion

The notion that eggs increase purine levels and are detrimental to those with gout is a widespread misconception. The evidence is clear: eggs are an excellent, low-purine source of protein and other essential nutrients that can be safely included in a gout-friendly diet. By replacing high-purine proteins with eggs and focusing on a balanced, whole-food diet, individuals can take a significant step in managing their uric acid levels. Ultimately, eggs are not a trigger for gout but rather a supportive component of a healthy lifestyle for those managing the condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a person with gout can safely eat eggs. Eggs are considered a low-purine food and are a healthy protein source that does not increase uric acid levels.

The purine content in an egg is very low. Some studies have indicated that hen's eggs contain virtually no detectable purines, placing them in the lowest category for purine content.

The purine content is very low in both, but what small amount exists is primarily in the yolk. The egg white is known to be almost entirely purine-free.

High-purine foods to limit or avoid include organ meats (liver, kidneys), red meat, certain seafood (sardines, anchovies), and beer.

While eggs are a low-purine food that won't contribute to high uric acid, they are not a medical treatment to lower existing high levels. They are part of a dietary strategy that, alongside medication, can help manage gout.

Yes, eggs are a much better protein choice than red meat for those with gout. Red meat has a moderately high purine content, whereas eggs are very low in purines.

You can prepare eggs scrambled, boiled, poached, or fried in healthy plant-based oils like olive oil. To keep it gout-friendly, avoid pairing them with high-purine meats like bacon or ham.