Effect of Tofu (bean curd) ingestion and on uric acid metabolism in healthy and gouty subjects.

The effect of Tofu (bean curd) ingestion on uric acid metabolism was examined in 8 healthy and 10 gout subjects. Ingestion of Tofu increased plasma concentration of uric acid, together with increases in uric acid clearance and urinary excretion of uric acid. However, the increase in plasma concentration of uric acid was fairy small. Interestingly, no significant rise in the plasma, urinary and clearance of uric acid was observed in gout patients with uric acid clearance > 6.0 mL/min (lower normal limit). The results suggest that tofu is a preferable source of protein, especially in gout patients with uric acid clearance > 6.0 mL/min.