From the Guidelines
A uric acid level of 6.2 mg/dL is slightly elevated and requires monitoring and lifestyle modifications to prevent potential complications such as gout attacks or kidney stones. According to the 2017 study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 1, the target serum urate level should be less than 6 mg/dL to prevent the formation of urate crystals and reduce the risk of gout attacks.
To maintain healthy uric acid levels, the following lifestyle modifications are recommended:
- Limiting purine-rich foods such as red meat, organ meats, and seafood like sardines and shellfish
- Reducing alcohol consumption, especially beer
- Limiting high-fructose corn syrup found in sodas and processed foods
- Staying well-hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily to help the kidneys flush out excess uric acid
- Maintaining a healthy weight, as obesity increases uric acid production
If you have a history of gout or kidney stones, it is essential to consult your doctor for monitoring, as they might recommend medications like allopurinol (starting at 100mg daily) if your levels increase or you develop symptoms 1. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines, and elevated levels occur when the body either produces too much uric acid or the kidneys don't eliminate enough of it.
The American College of Physicians clinical practice guideline published in 2017 in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1 also supports the use of lifestyle modifications and medications to manage gout and prevent complications. The guideline recommends a treat-to-target strategy, where the goal is to maintain a serum urate level less than 6 mg/dL to prevent gout attacks and other complications.
In summary, a uric acid level of 6.2 mg/dL requires monitoring and lifestyle modifications to prevent potential complications, and medications like allopurinol may be recommended if levels increase or symptoms develop 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The upper limit of normal is about 7 mg/dL for men and postmenopausal women and 6 mg/dL for premenopausal women. A uric acid level of 6.2 mg/dL is above the normal range for premenopausal women, but within the normal range for men and postmenopausal women 2.
From the Research
Uric Acid Level of 6.2
- A uric acid level of 6.2 mg/dL is considered to be within the normal range for some populations, but may be elevated for others 3.
- According to one study, a threshold value of < 6.0 mg/dL may be a better indicator of "true healthy subjects" 3.
- Elevated uric acid levels have been linked to various health problems, including gout, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease 4, 3.
- Lifestyle modifications, such as adherence to a Mediterranean diet, may help to lower serum uric acid levels and reduce the risk of hyperuricaemia 5.
- Medications such as allopurinol and febuxostat can also be effective in reducing uric acid levels, but may have potential side effects and interactions 6, 7, 4.
Comparison to Normal Ranges
- Normal ranges for serum uric acid vary by population and laboratory, but are generally considered to be:
- A level of 6.2 mg/dL is above the recommended threshold of < 6.0 mg/dL for "true healthy subjects" 3.