Is Sea Bass High in Purines?

Sea bass is a mild, white fish that is popular in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. But if you have gout, you may be wondering – is sea bass high in purines?

Purines are natural compounds found in some foods that can raise uric acid levels in the body. High uric acid levels are associated with gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis. During gout flares urate crystals deposit in the joints causing sudden and severe pain, swelling, and tenderness.

While sea bass contains some purines, it is not considered a high-purine fish. Understanding the purine content in different types of fish and seafood can help you make informed choices to prevent gout attacks.

Purines and Gout

Purines are broken down into uric acid in the body. Generally high levels of uric acid above 6.8 mg/dL in the blood can lead to gout. Foods naturally contain varying amounts of purines. Organ meats and seafood tend to be higher in purines than other foods.

If you have gout, it’s helpful to know which foods are high, moderate or low in purines. Consuming too many high-purine foods can raise uric acid levels and trigger painful gout flares.

While seafood contains beneficial nutrients like omega-3s, some types are quite high in purines and are best limited or avoided if you have gout. On the other hand, some fish and seafood are relatively low in purines and can be enjoyed in moderation.

Sea Bass Purine Content

According to research, a 100 gram serving of sea bass contains around 119 mg of purines. This places sea bass in the ‘moderate’ purine category of 100-200 mg per 100 grams.

Other moderate-purine fish include:

• Salmon (170 mg)
• Tuna (157 mg)
• Halibut (178 mg)
• Haddock (139 mg)
• Cod (109 mg)

Sea bass has a similar purine content as popular fish like salmon, tuna, and halibut. While not low-purine, it contains far less purines than high-purine fish.

High Purine Fish to Avoid

Fish highest in purines include:

• Sardines (345 mg)
• Anchovies (239 mg)
• Herring (210 mg)
• Trout (297 mg)
• Mackerel (145 mg)

These fish contain over 200 mg of purines per 100 gram serving. Sardines, anchovies and herring are extremely high in purines and are best avoided altogether if you have gout.

On the other hand, some low-purine fish contain less than 100 mg of purines per 100 gram serving. These are the safest fish choices for gout:

• Flounder (78 mg)
• Sole (80 mg)
• Squid (60 mg)
• Salmon roe (4 mg)

Tips for Preparing Fish with Gout

How you cook fish also affects the purine content. Boiling, steaming, or poaching can help reduce purines compared to frying or roasting fish. Make sure to remove the skin before cooking, since it concentrates the most purines.

Consuming fish high in omega-3s may also help lower gout risk. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel are highest in omega-3s. If opting for these fish, limit portions and avoid preparing with calorie-dense sauces or breading.

Can You Eat Sea Bass with Gout?

Overall, sea bass is a good fish choice if you have gout. While not devoid of purines, it contains far less than the highest purine fish. Enjoying a moderate 3-4 oz portion of sea bass a few times per week should be fine for most with gout.

However, every person’s gout triggers are different. Track any gout flares and your diet to pinpoint your unique triggers. You may find you tolerate sea bass with no problems. But if it seems to flare up your gout, then avoid it.

Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like cherries, strawberries, olive oil and green leafy vegetables in your diet. Stay well hydrated and limit alcohol and sugary beverages. With the right lifestyle measures and medication if needed, you can manage gout and still enjoy moderate amounts of fish like sea bass.