Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when too much uric acid is in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product produced when the body breaks down a molecule called purine. Purines are nitrogen-containing organic building blocks found in the cells of all living things. Too much uric acid in the blood can form tiny, sharp crystals in the joints. These crystals can cause redness, inflammation and intense pain, which are symptoms of gout.
A gout attack can be very painful. Most commonly, gout affects the big toe joint. However, it can also affect a person’s ankles, knees or wrists. Walking can be challenging if gout happens in the toe, ankle or knee.
Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. This uric acid crystallizes and deposits in the joints, leading to sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, and tenderness. While gout can affect any joint, it most often strikes the big toe.
Attacks of gout are usually triggered by factors that raise uric acid levels One of the main triggers is eating foods high in purines. Purines are natural compounds found in some foods that are broken down into uric acid in the body
So does eating crab cause gout flares? Let’s take a closer look at the purine content in different types of crab to find out.
Purines in Crab
Not all crab is created equal when it comes to purine content Some types of crab are relatively low in purines, while others are quite high.
Here is an overview of the purine levels found in different varieties of crab:
- King crab – 99 mg of purines per 100g
- Snow crab – 136 mg of purines per 100g
- Crab (unspecified) – 152 mg of purines per 100g
- Blue crab – 223 mg of purines per 100g
- Dungeness crab – 244 mg of purines per 100g
As you can see, king crab is on the lower end of the spectrum with under 100 mg per serving. Meanwhile, Dungeness crab contains over 200 mg of purines per serving, putting it in the high purine category.
So if you are prone to gout, king crab would be the safest option But even snow crab or generic crab meat should be eaten in moderation if you are concerned about gout attacks
Tips for Eating Crab with Gout
If you have gout but don’t want to fully give up crab, here are some tips to enjoy it more safely:
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Limit portion sizes – Even low and moderate purine crab should be eaten in limited amounts if you have gout. Stick to 2-3 oz per serving.
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Avoid binge eating – Eating large quantities of crab or shellfish in one sitting is especially likely to trigger gout pain.
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Balance with low-purine foods – Enjoy crab as part of a meal that also contains low-purine foods like vegetables, fruit, whole grains and plant proteins.
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Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps flush uric acid from your system. Have a glass or two while eating crab.
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Avoid alcohol – Alcohol interferes with uric acid excretion, raising your risk of a gout attack. Avoid drinking alcohol when consuming crab.
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Limit high-fat preparations – Frying or cooking crab in butter or oil can increase purines. Opt for steaming, grilling or baking instead.
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Take medication – If prescribed uric-acid lowering drugs like allopurinol, make sure to take them as directed to prevent flares.
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Watch for reactions – Pay attention after eating crab. If you experience joint pain, swelling or tenderness, avoid crab for a while.
What About Other Shellfish?
Crab is not the only shellfish that contains moderately high levels of purines. Here is a quick overview of other popular types of shellfish and their purine content:
- Shrimp – 147 mg per 100g
- Lobster – 102-108 mg per 100g
- Scallops – 136 mg per 100g
- Clams – 146 mg per 100g
- Mussels – 158 mg per 100g
- Oysters – 90 mg per 100g
As you can see, most shellfish fall into the moderate purine range of 100-200 mg per serving. So while they may be less likely to cause gout attacks than crab, those with gout should still eat them in moderation.
Can You Eat Crab if You Take Allopurinol?
Allopurinol is a medication commonly prescribed to prevent gout attacks. It lowers uric acid levels by blocking xanthine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for producing uric acid.
If you take allopurinol as directed, it can allow you to be a little less restrictive with your diet. However, doctors still recommend keeping your intake of high-purine foods like crab in check.
The reason is that even on allopurinol, eating large amounts of purines can potentially cause attacks in some people. It varies from person to person based on the severity of their gout and how well the medication is working for them.
If you are taking allopurinol or another uric acid-lowering drug, talk to your doctor about how much crab and other high-purine seafood is safe for you to consume. They may recommend limiting crab intake to just 1-2 times per month to be cautious.
The Bottom Line
If you are prone to gout attacks, crab should be enjoyed sparingly due to its moderately high purine levels. Limit portion sizes to 2-3 ounces and avoid overindulging. Balance crab with low-purine foods and stay hydrated when consuming it. Take any prescribed gout medications as directed. Pay attention to your body’s signals, and avoid crab for a while if it seems to be triggering flare-ups. With some care and moderation, you may still be able to enjoy crab on occasion without issue. But it’s wise not to make it a regular part of your diet.
7 Foods That Trigger Gout
A buildup of uric acid in the blood causes gout. Uric acid is the waste product the body creates when it breaks down a substance called purines. Many foods contain purines, including meats, seafood and foods containing high fructose corn syrup and alcohol. Additionally, when the body processes sugar or fructose, they release purines and cause uric acid levels to rise.
If you have gout, staying away from foods that are high in purines will help lower your uric acid levels and lower your risk of having an attack.
- Red meats: Beef, pork, lamb, bacon, veal, and deer are all red meats that are high in purines. A person with gout should limit eating red meat.
- Organ meats: Heart, kidney, liver, and other organ meats are very high in purines. If you have gout, you should limit or stay away from these foods.
- Foods that come from shells: lobster, crab, shrimp, scallops, mussels, and more are high in purines. Seafood, like sardines, anchovies, codfish, herring, haddock, and trout, is also high in purines. People with gout need to trim down on shellfish and some seafood to avoid flare-ups.
- Drinks that are high in sugar: Soda and fruit juices, as well as other drinks with natural or added sugar, can make gout attacks more likely.
- HFCS: Sweets like candy, pastries, and other sweets have a lot of purines. People with gout should limit the foods they eat that have high fructose corn syrup.
- Fruits: Some fruits are bad for gout. Apples, oranges, and dates are all fruits that naturally have a lot of fructose. Avoid high fructose-containing foods.
- Alcohol: Beer and other alcoholic drinks can make gout attacks more likely. The level of uric acid in the body goes up when it breaks down alcohol. Beer is high in purines. A person with gout needs to limit alcohol consumption.
How Is Gout Diagnosed?
Medical providers diagnose gout based on symptoms, medical history, physical exam, imaging and lab tests. A specialty doctor called a rheumatologist can treat gout.
A rheumatologist will help lower uric acid levels with medications if indicated. People who have gout can help stop future attacks and make flare-ups less painful by changing their diet and staying away from foods that are high in purines.
People who suffer from gout experience symptoms similar to arthritis, paired with systemic or whole-body symptoms.
- Sudden, severe pain in a joint
- Inflammation, redness and warmth in the affected joint
- Tenderness: the joint is tender to the touch
- Fever: a temperature greater than 100.4 F
Gout treatment typically involves taking medication to lower uric acid levels in the blood and reduce joint inflammation. Dietary changes are a big part of the treatment plan. Diet changes can help to prevent further gout attacks. Maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol can also help prevent gout flare-ups.
Top 7 Delicious Seafoods to Eat for Gout
Is seafood bad for gout?
Certain proteins in milk help tell your body to get rid of uric acid, the culprit behind your condition. Not all coastal fare is bad for gout, but it’s best to only dabble in dishes of mussels, scallops, squid, shrimp, oysters, crab, and lobsters. Overindulging could raise uric acid levels and make gout symptoms worse.
Can one eat shrimp if they have gout?
Shimp contain high amounts of purins, which increaes uric acid levels, and may trigger symptoms or worsen gout. So, they should only be eaten once in a while.
Can fish cause gout?
While nutrients in fish are beneficial for heart health, fish high in purines can trigger a gout attack. Purines are compounds important to the body that when broken down, form a substance called uric acid. High levels of uric acid can cause gout.
Are shellfish bad for gout?
Shellfish is at the top of the list of bad foods for a gout diet. But why? The terms fish, shellfish, and seafood are often used interchangeably, but here’s how I’ll use them.