Gout, a serious form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, is a worldwide health issue. A “western” diet and lifestyle, and the resulting obesity epidemic, are often associated with an increased prevalence of gout. A diet high in purines, as well as other factors, can raise levels of uric acid. To help manage gout, nutrient data are needed on purine amounts in foods and dietary supplements (DS). This dataset was developed by USDA to provide validated analytical purine data in commonly consumed U.S. foods and DS.

A total of 61 U.S. foods and 14 DS in 5 categories (brewer’s yeast, chlorella, spirulina, RNA/DNA complex, royal jelly) were analyzed for four purine bases (adenine, guanine, hypoxanthine, and xanthine) and uric acid. Foods and DS were obtained via (1) existing and archived USDA programs, (2) an academic laboratory specializing in the preparation of meats, and (3) online retail websites. Samples were analyzed with acid hydrolysis extraction followed by Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HILIC-HRMS/MS). Blind duplicates and high-purity (≥ 95%) analytical standards from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO) were used as quality control materials to ensure reproducibility of the data.

Purine content varied for the same foods and DS, possibly due to natural variability (e.g., vegetable and animal species), cooking status, and product formulations. Purine values are presented for 462 foods (from 20 food groups), 15 alcoholic beverages, and 14 DS combined into 7 entries in the database, with each representing a distinct dosage form (tablet, capsule, or powder). Validated literature data previously released was included to facilitate data comparisons. Sources of data are indicated, including country of origin and year(s) published. Mean values for foods are reported as milligrams per 100 grams and as milligrams per 100 milliliters for beverages. DS data are reported as milligrams per serving unit and as milligrams per serving. Standard error of the mean, minimum values, and maximum values are also reported for foods, beverages and DS.