Nutri Courses

Advisory

Purines

Purines are organic compounds that naturally occur in many foods, but they are also produced by our bodies. They are important for our health because they are involved in the formation of DNA and RNA, regulate energy metabolism, and are part of some crucial molecules, such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the main energy source for our cells.

However, excessive intake of purines can lead to health issues such as hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis. This is because purines are converted into uric acid in the body, and if its level in the blood is too high, it can begin to accumulate in the joints and tissues, causing inflammation. Therefore, people with gouty arthritis or those who have high levels of uric acid should limit their consumption of foods rich in purines, such as red meat, seafood, or alcohol.

Good evening, Mr. Jelínek,

I thought that people suffering from gout should focus on foods with low purine content and should not eat legumes. Quite by chance, I came across a meal plan on the Internet that offered beans for dinner. I didn't expect that.

What is your opinion on beans in relation to purines?

Many factors influence the condition of gout, with the purine content in the diet being just one of them. While it is indeed important to regulate their quantity in the diet, it turns out that a dietary concept based solely on monitoring a single number does not fundamentally solve the issue. Generally, a list of foods rich in purines is presented, which should be avoided during the treatment of gout. However, this does not mean these foods are entirely forbidden; for instance, a smaller amount of legumes can be included in the diet without harming the metabolism. Furthermore, it is always necessary to consider the overall concept, as a single recipe does not necessarily pose a problem.

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.

Martin Jelínek's articles