Uric acid is a by-product of the normal function of the liver and is excreted in the urine. Uric acid levels are known to increase with age, and they can also be affected by lifestyle or certain medical conditions.
Uric acid reduction supplements are a popular and affordable way to reduce the risk of gout. However, there is no single best uric acid supplement for everyone. This article compares and shares the information on the most common uric acid supplements available in Malaysia's market.
Table of content:
What Is Uric Acid, and What Does It Do?
Uric acid is a byproduct of the chemical breakdown of purines, which are found in many foods. It is produced when the body metabolizes protein. Uric acid is eliminated from the body through the kidneys and urine.
Uric acid is a natural antioxidant and helps to protect cells from damage. It also helps to break down and remove toxins from the body.
What Causes Uric Acid to Become Dangerous?
When there is too much uric acid in the blood, it can build up and form crystals in the body. High uric acid concentration can lead to uric acid crystals forming in the joints, causing gout.
A high level of the uric acid crystal in long term can also be dangerous for the heart and kidneys. It can cause kidney stones and lead to chronic kidney disease. Uric acid can also make plaque deposits in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Uric Acid Levels: What Is Normal?
Normal uric acid levels are different for men and women.
Gender | Male | Female |
Uric acid range | 4.0-8.5 mg/dL or 0.24-0.51 mmol/L | 2.7-7.3 mg/dL or 0.16-0.43 mmol/L |
Ways To Reduce Uric Acid Naturally Without Drugs
Lifestyle modification
Drink plenty of fluids
Exercise regularly
Lose weight if you're overweight
Limit your intake of high-purine foods
Avoid alcohol
Taking a supplement to manage uric acid levels
Uric Acid Supplements in Malaysia: The Comparison!
There are several different types of uric acid supplements available in Malaysia. Here are some comparisons of popular uric acid supplements in the market:
1. Alkalizing salt
Alkalizing salt can help to reduce uric acid levels by alkalizing the body. This means that it helps to balance pH levels and makes the body less acidic.
Pros: | Cons: |
In powder form. User friendly for those doesn't like to swallow tablets. | High dosage: 1 to 2 sachets, 3-4 times daily |
Nice taste. | According to the prescribing information, may not be suitable for kidney and heart problem patients to take long-term. |
| With high sodium content, users are advised to take a low-sodium diet while taking the course of alkalizing salt treatment. |
Current alkalizing salt products available in Malaysia's market:
Clearogout
2. Celery
Celery is a diuretic that can help to lower uric acid levels in the blood. Diuretics work by increasing the amount of water and sodium that are expelled from the body through urination. This helps to reduce the amount of uric acid in the blood.
Pros: | Cons: |
By removing excess uric acid through the urine through its diuretic effects. Some gout patients can get fast gout relief. | Since celery is a natural diuretic. Therefore people with kidney problems should monitor their celery intake, as excessive consumption might put extra strain on their kidneys. |
May be beneficial for high blood pressure patients. Celery contains a phytochemical called phthalides. It relaxes the tissues of the artery walls to increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure. | Some people are allergic to celery. Allergic reactions can range from skin rashes to anaphylaxis. |
| May feel disturbing by frequent toilet visits. |
Current celery supplements available in Malaysia's market:
Natural Factor celery seed extract
Bio-life celery seed extract
Blackmore celery
Vitahealth celery plus
3. Tart Cherry
Tart cherries are a natural source of anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants. In addition to their antioxidant properties, anthocyanins have been shown to help reduce inflammation in gout.
Pros: | Cons: |
Available in liquid, powder and capsule form. | The inconsistent result on the effectiveness of tart cherries in reducing the uric acid level in gout patients. This can be due to it helping reduce the inflammation and not really reducing serum uric acid levels. |
Some studies show tart cherry aid in better sleep. | |
Current tart cherry supplements available in Malaysia's market:
Lakewood pure tart cherry juice
Gouch tart cherry plus extract powder & bromelain sachet
Solaray, Tart Cherry Fruit Extract
4. Terminalia bellerica (Ayuric®)
Terminalia bellerica is a commonly used Ayurvedic herb in India and is one of the components of a very popular product on the market, called Triphala.
Though you may have never heard of Triphala, It’s a staple in traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India that has been used as a healing remedy for over 1,000 years. Some common usage include: heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and premature ageing
Ayuric® is the trade name of a tannin-rich extract, derived from the edible fruit of the Terminalia bellerica tree, it is thought to inhibit xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of uric acid.
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial recently confirmed Terminalia bellerica extract's dose-dependent action in lowering uric acid levels in the blood.
The study showed that 500 mg Terminalia bellerica extract, taken twice daily, reduced uric acid by a mean of 27.59% in volunteers with elevated levels.
This reduction in uric acid levels allowed 88.8% of those in the extract-treated study arm to achieve the desired uric acid serum levels...with no negative side effects.
Pros: | Cons: |
Undergo human clinical study proved its effectiveness in reducing uric acid levels. | It may take 2-3 months to reach the optimal result. |
The study does a comparison with febuxostat, a common uric acid lowering medicine used for gout patients. | |
Identified mechanism of action, its potent tannins appear to inhibit an enzyme (xanthine oxidase) involved in the synthesis of uric acid.  | |
An ayurvedic herb that has been used for over 1000 years with a good safety profile. | |
Current Terminalia bellerica (Ayuric®) supplement available in Malaysia's market:
Conclusion
It is evident that there are many different brands and types of uric acid supplements available in Malaysia. It can be difficult to decide which one to choose. By providing some research and your personal reading of the reviews, it is possible for you to find the right supplement for you.
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Medical Disclaimer
The contents of this article are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
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