What is an optimal uric acid level?
The short answer
Optimal uric acid is under 5 mg/dL, as stated on video.
Most labs call uric acid high only above 6. So your report can call 5.5 normal while it sits above the optimal ceiling.
Labs print different ranges by sex: about 2.4–6 mg/dL for women and 3.4–7 for men.
“I like to see uric acid below 5.0 — again, most labs consider anything below 6 to be normal, some labs even consider anything below 7 to be normal.”
“I like seeing uric acid below 5, homocysteine below 9 — these are some of the metrics that I'm really looking at consistently.”
“it's non-negotiable, all my patients need a uric acid below 5, even though the assay says we will consider normal up to seven point zero.”
What each range means
The rows below use the range labs print for women. For men it is 3.4–7 mg/dL.
- under 5 mg/dL Optimal
- 5–6 mg/dL Normal on most reports. Above optimal“I like seeing uric acid below 5, homocysteine below 9 — these are some of the metrics that I'm really looking at consistently.” Dr. Peter Attia · 3:33 →
- over 6 mg/dL Most labs flag this as high
What uric acid measures
A waste product from breaking down purines, found in some foods and in your own cells.
It crystallizes in joints to cause gout. It also tracks with blood pressure and metabolic problems.
Checked against MedlinePlus — Uric Acid Test.
Why it matters, on the record
“uric acid matters because uric acid is the inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase that's an enzyme that exists in your vascular tree that vaso dilates the blood vessels and that keeps your blood pressure down”
Common questions
What is an optimal uric acid level?
Under 5 mg/dL, from a quote on video (Dr. Peter Attia, 5:08).
What is a normal uric acid level?
Most US labs print 2.4–6 mg/dL. Your report grades you against that range. It exists to catch disease, not to describe your best. Labs print different ranges by sex: about 2.4–6 mg/dL for women and 3.4–7 for men.
What does your uric acid number mean?
On a typical lab range, under 2.4 mg/dL is low, 2.4 to 6 is normal and over 6 is high. Your own report prints its range next to your number, and that is the one your lab uses. The optimal range on this page comes with the quote behind it. Labs print different ranges by sex: about 2.4–6 mg/dL for women and 3.4–7 for men.
Is uric acid of 5.5 normal?
A typical lab range calls it normal. On video, the optimal ceiling is 5 mg/dL (Dr. Peter Attia, 5:08), so by that line it is high.
What does the uric acid test measure?
A waste product from breaking down purines, found in some foods and in your own cells. It crystallizes in joints to cause gout. It also tracks with blood pressure and metabolic problems.