Does Egg Cause an Increase in Uric Acid? Debunking the Myth

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

With more than 58 million people worldwide affected by gout, understanding which foods can trigger a flare-up is essential. A common question for many is: does egg cause an increase in uric acid? In fact, eggs are a low-purine food and are generally considered a safe part of a gout-friendly diet.

Quick Summary

Eggs are a low-purine food and a safe protein source that does not increase uric acid levels. They are a recommended protein alternative for individuals managing gout and hyperuricemia, unlike high-purine red meats or sugary drinks.

Key Points

Eggs are Low in Purines: Studies show eggs contain virtually no purines, the compounds that form uric acid.
Safe for Gout Patients: Eggs are a safe and recommended protein source for individuals managing gout and hyperuricemia.
Consider Overall Diet: The entire dietary pattern is more important than focusing on individual low-purine foods like eggs. Limit high-purine red meats and sugary drinks.
Kidney Disease Nuance: While safe for most, those with advanced chronic kidney disease might need to moderate whole egg intake due to phosphorus in the yolk. Egg whites are a safer alternative.
Smart Preparation Matters: The way you cook and what you pair with eggs can affect a meal's health profile. Combine eggs with vegetables and whole grains, not high-purine meats.

Understanding Uric Acid and Purines

To determine the effect of eggs on uric acid, it is important to first understand the role of purines. Uric acid is a natural waste product created when the body breaks down purines, which are chemical compounds found in both our cells and in many foods. Normally, the kidneys filter out uric acid, which is then eliminated from the body through urine. When the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys cannot remove it efficiently, it can build up in the blood. High levels of uric acid, a condition known as hyperuricemia, can lead to the formation of urate crystals that can cause painful gout attacks.

What are purines?

Purines are nitrogen-containing molecules that form the building blocks of DNA and RNA. They are metabolized in the body into uric acid. Foods are generally classified based on their purine content:

High-purine foods: Contain more than 150 mg of purine per 100g. These include organ meats (liver, kidney), some seafood (sardines, anchovies), and beer.
Moderate-purine foods: Contain 50-150 mg of purine per 100g. Examples include most other meats and some fish.
Low-purine foods: Contain less than 50 mg of purine per 100g. Eggs fall into this category, as do fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.

The Truth About Eggs and Uric Acid

Contrary to a common misconception, multiple studies confirm that eggs do not cause an increase in uric acid. They are an excellent, low-purine source of protein, making them a suitable dietary choice for those with hyperuricemia or gout. A 2014 study found that hen's eggs contain virtually no detectable purines, solidifying their status as a safe food.

In fact, eggs can play a positive role in a gout-friendly diet. Many people with gout are advised to limit high-purine animal proteins, such as red meat. Eggs offer a high-quality, easily digestible protein alternative that can help meet nutritional needs without triggering a uric acid spike.

Eggs vs. High-Purine Foods: A Comparison

To highlight why eggs are a safer choice, consider this comparison table contrasting their purine levels with common high-purine culprits. Note: Purine content can vary slightly depending on cooking methods and specific cut.


Food Type (per 100g)	Purine Content (mg)	Uric Acid Impact	Suitability for Gout Diet
Hen's Egg	~0 mg	None	Safe
Pork Liver	284.8 mg	High	Avoid
Sardines	High, specific amounts vary	High	Limit or avoid
Beef	Moderate-High	Moderate	Limit portion sizes
Shellfish	High, specific amounts vary	High	Avoid during flares

The Importance of Cooking and Pairing

How eggs are prepared can influence the overall healthiness of a meal. While the egg itself is low in purines, pairing it with high-purine ingredients can negate the benefits. For example, a breakfast of eggs, bacon, and sausage would be less ideal than eggs with vegetables and whole-grain toast.

Gout-friendly ways to eat eggs:

Boiled eggs: A simple, healthy, and low-purine snack or salad topper.
Scrambled or omelets: Combine with low-purine vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or onions for a nutrient-rich meal.
Baked egg muffins: Use eggs as the base and fill with vegetables and low-fat cheese for a quick, healthy breakfast or snack.

Dietary Context and Overall Health

While individual foods matter, a holistic dietary approach is more effective for managing uric acid levels. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy can help control uric acid. Weight management is also a critical factor, as obesity is linked to high uric acid levels and puts additional stress on joints.

The Role of Fructose

It's also important to consider high-fructose corn syrup and sugary drinks. Fructose breaks down in the body in a way that can increase uric acid production, independent of purine content. Limiting or avoiding soda, sweetened fruit juices, and processed foods with added sugars is recommended.

Special Considerations for Kidney Health

For individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), egg consumption may require more careful management. While eggs provide high-quality protein, the yolk is a source of phosphorus, a mineral that may need to be restricted in advanced CKD. Egg whites, however, are very low in phosphorus and are often recommended for renal diets. A registered dietitian specializing in kidney health can provide personalized guidance.

Conclusion: A Safe Choice in Moderation

In conclusion, the concern that does egg cause an increase in uric acid is largely unfounded for most people. As a low-purine protein source, eggs are a safe and healthy addition to a gout-friendly diet. The focus should be on a balanced, low-purine eating plan, and limiting high-purine meats, certain seafood, and sugary drinks, rather than restricting nutrient-dense eggs. For individuals with specific health conditions like advanced kidney disease, consulting a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice is recommended.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis or treatment plan for gout.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, eggs are not high in uric acid. They contain a negligible amount of purines, which are the compounds that break down into uric acid in the body.

Yes, people with gout can safely eat eggs. They are a great low-purine protein source and are not known to trigger gout attacks.

For most people with high uric acid, eating eggs every day in moderation is safe. The American Heart Association suggests up to one egg per day can be beneficial.

Both egg whites and yolks are low in purines. For those with chronic kidney disease, egg whites are often preferred due to their very low phosphorus content, but for high uric acid alone, both are fine.

Foods to limit or avoid include high-purine items like organ meats (liver, kidneys), certain seafood (sardines, anchovies), red meat, and sugary beverages containing high-fructose corn syrup.

Eggs themselves do not actively lower uric acid, but including them as a low-purine protein source in a balanced diet can help reduce the overall purine load and displace high-purine foods.

No, the cooking method for eggs does not affect their purine content. However, preparing them with high-purine or high-fat ingredients like sausage or excessive oil can impact overall dietary health for those with gout.