Does Eating Shrimp Cause Gout Flare-ups?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. This excessive uric acid leads to the formation of crystal deposits in the joints, resulting in sudden and severe pain, swelling, and tenderness – known as a gout attack or flare-up.

Diet plays a major role in gout as certain foods are high in purines, compounds that increase uric acid production when broken down in the body. One such food that is often questioned is shrimp. So does eating shrimp cause gout flare-ups?

How Purines Lead to Gout

Purines are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in some foods When the body breaks down purines, it produces uric acid as a waste product

In people with gout, excessive uric acid accumulation in the blood (hyperuricemia) causes urate crystals to deposit in the joints and soft tissues. This leads to painful inflammation and swelling – the hallmark of a gout attack.

Therefore, gout patients are often advised to limit dietary purines to help reduce uric acid levels and minimize gout episodes.

Purine Content in Different Types of Shrimp

Shrimp contains moderate levels of purines.

According to research, the purine content per 100g serving in different varieties of shrimp includes:

• Brown shrimp: 147 mg
• Snow crab: 136 mg
• Pink shrimp: 152 mg
• Whiteleg shrimp: 140 mg

So while shrimp is not extremely high in purines, it does contain a moderate amount.

Can Eating Shrimp Trigger Gout Flares?

For most gout sufferers, consuming shrimp occasionally as part of a balanced diet is unlikely to cause problems. However, eating large servings of shrimp or other moderate-purine seafood on a regular basis may increase the risk of recurrent gout attacks.

There are a few reasons why shrimp and some other seafood can provoke gout flares:

• Moderate purine content – The purines in 3-4 ounces of shrimp are not negligible for someone with high uric acid levels.

• High protein – Seafood tends to be high in protein, which can also raise uric acid when consumed in excess.

• High sodium – Sodium promotes uric acid reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to elevated blood levels.

So while an occasional shrimp cocktail or seafood dish might be safe, making shrimp a regular part of your diet could make gout worse in the long run.

Who Is at Risk of Gout Flares from Shrimp?

According to experts, the following groups have a higher risk of shrimp and other moderate-purine seafood triggering gout attacks:

• Those with frequent gout flare-ups – 4 or more per year

• People with chronic gout – symptoms lasting months or years

• Those with 1 or more gout tophi – urate crystal deposits under the skin

• Individuals with high baseline uric acid levels

• Those with kidney disease or impaired kidney function

• People who consume excess alcohol, especially beer

For these higher risk groups, shrimp and some other seafood may act as gout trigger foods and provoke flare-ups. Moderation is key.

Tips to Reduce Gout Flares from Shrimp

If you have gout but don’t want to fully eliminate shrimp, here are some tips to enjoy it more safely:

• Eat shrimp only occasionally, not daily or weekly

• Limit portion size to 3-4 ounces at most

• Avoid breaded or fried shrimp which is higher in purines and fat

• Choose lower sodium preparations – boiled, grilled or baked

• Stay well hydrated to dilute uric acid concentration

• Limit other high-purine foods like red meat and alcohol

• Take any prescribed uric acid-lowering medication regularly

• Talk to your doctor about the right diet and treatment plan for your gout

The Benefits of Eating Fish and Seafood

While shrimp and some fish are moderately high in purines, they also provide important nutrients for good health.

Here are some key benefits of including fish and seafood like shrimp in your gout diet:

• Excellent source of lean protein for tissue repair, growth and strength.

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA for heart and brain health.

• Provides key vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, selenium, vitamins B12 and D.

• Associated with anti-inflammatory effects to help manage diseases like gout.

• Recommended 2 times per week even for gout patients.

Therefore, instead of eliminating shrimp and fish altogether, work with your doctor or dietitian to determine the right amounts and frequency to reap the nutritional benefits while avoiding flares.

The Bottom Line

So what’s the verdict on shrimp and gout? While moderate shrimp consumption is unlikely to cause problems for most people with gout, those at higher risk may need to watch their intake to prevent recurrent gout attacks. Speak to your doctor and aim for a gout diet that combines disease management with overall nutrition. With some care, shrimp and seafood can be part of an anti-inflammatory diet to control gout.