The link between gout, chronic inflammation, and magnesium deficiency
Uric acid is a natural waste product in the blood formed when the body breaks down dead cells. If uric acid levels become too high, it can lead to gout, a chronic condition associated with elevated blood pressure, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and other illnesses marked by chronic inflammation. According to a population study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, there appears to be a link between magnesium deficiency, elevated uric acid, and chronic inflammation.
When cells die, uric acid is formed through the breakdown of purines, which play a crucial role in the structure and function of cellular genes. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally excreted through the kidneys. It is important to have a proper balance between its production and elimination. However, in most patients with gout (also known as podagra), the kidneys do not excrete enough uric acid. As a result, uric acid crystals can form in the blood and accumulate in one or more joints, often causing a very painful inflammatory response. Chronically elevated uric acid is also more common in people who are overweight, have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, impaired kidney function, or cardiovascular disease. These conditions are all characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation, which may not be felt directly but still causes cellular damage via free radicals and oxidative stress. Diuretic medications and excessive alcohol intake can also trigger chronic elevation of uric acid, thereby increasing the risk of these associated diseases.
Millions of people around the world suffer from chronically elevated uric acid levels, and the number is rising sharply - especially due to the obesity epidemic.
This suggests that chronically elevated uric acid may result from an unhealthy lifestyle, diuretic medications, and other factors. The researchers behind the new study focused on magnesium, as this mineral plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes, including energy metabolism, protein synthesis, blood sugar regulation, and more. The purpose of the new study was therefore to investigate the connection between widespread magnesium deficiency and the increasing prevalence of gout and other diseases caused by chronically elevated uric acid.
The greater the magnesium deficiency, the greater the risk of elevated uric acid
The researchers used data from a large U.S. population study called NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey), which collects long-term data on participants’ dietary habits, lifestyle, and health.
Since most of the body’s magnesium is located inside the cells and is difficult to measure using standard blood tests, the researchers assessed magnesium deficiency by means of other methods, including data on diuretic medication use (PPIs), kidney function (eGFR), and alcohol intake. They then developed various models to reveal the relationship between magnesium deficiency and elevated uric acid. Analyses were also performed on subgroups with gout and other conditions.
The study included 18,761 participants over the age of 20 and found a significant correlation between magnesium deficiency and elevated uric acid levels. The more severe the magnesium deficiency, the greater the risk of developing elevated uric acid.
It may therefore be beneficial to diagnose and treat magnesium deficiency in cases of elevated uric acid, gout, and other disorders related to purine and uric acid metabolism.
How can magnesium regulate elevated uric acid?
According to the study researchers, magnesium may help regulate elevated uric acid through mechanisms involving inflammation, oxidative stress, and uric acid metabolism. Several studies have already reported a positive correlation between elevated uric acid and various inflammatory markers, including CRP, TNF-α, and N-methyl-D-aspartate. This shows that uric acid may play a role in inflammatory processes and inflammation-related diseases. It is also known that patients experiencing gout attacks tend to have very high CRP levels during active disease phases.
Since magnesium also affects the functional activity of cellular DNA, a magnesium deficiency can disturb gene expression in ways that impact uric acid metabolism.
Moreover, magnesium deficiency can cause oxidative stress, in which free radicals damage cellular DNA.
The link between elevated uric acid, oxidative stress, inflammation, and magnesium deficiency suggests that treating magnesium deficiency may help reduce dysfunctions related to uric acid metabolism.
- Most purines in the blood come from the breakdown of the body’s own cells.
- Purines are also found in red meat, organ meats, shellfish, fish roe, anchovies, and sardines.
- Uric acid is formed when purines are broken down. It must be excreted via the kidneys.
- Nutrient deficiencies, diuretic medications, and alcohol can disrupt uric acid metabolism.
- Elevated uric acid is associated with several conditions, including gout, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.
- These conditions are marked by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
- Magnesium deficiency increases the risk of elevated uric acid.
- Magnesium is found in whole grains and green vegetables.
- Choose magnesium supplements that ensure good absorption in the blood. Magnesium oxide is not recommended, as it mainly has a laxative effect.
References:
Yongchun Xiao et al. Association between magnesium depletion score and prevalence of hyperuricemia in American adults: a study based on NHANES 2007-218. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2025
TIP! See also the related articles
Search for more information...
- Created on .