Aim: 

This study was aimed to assess the correlation among diet, nutritional status and serum uric acid level in obese aging subjects.

Methods: 

Twenty one aging peoples (10 Caucasian females, 50-75 years old) (group IP) had serum uric acid levels higher than 7mg/dL; they were compared with fifty aging subjects (38 Caucasian females, 50-75 years old) (control group: C) presenting uric acid serum levels lower than 5mg/dL. Anthropometric measurements, bioimpedance analysis and biochemical tests were carried out. A low-purine and hypocaloric diet was administered to hyperuricemic subjects for three months.

Results: 

Serum uric acid levels decreased in IP group: 6.3 ± 0.3 mg/dL versus 7.3 ± 0.26 mg/dL, baseline, while in group C was 4.2 ± 0.1 mg/dL vs 4.2 ± 0.2 mg/dL, baseline. BMI diminished: 31.8 ± 0.8 Kg/h2 vs 35 ± 1 Kg/h2 in IP group and 31.8 ± 0.8 Kg/h2 vs 35 ± 1 Kg/h2 in group C. Waist circumference and triceps skinfold were significantly reduced in both groups. Body fat mass significantly decreased in group IP (37.3 ± 2.2group vs 38.8 ± 2 .3%) and in group C (38.4 ± 1.4% vs 42.2 ± 1.4%). Glycemia was 100.3 ± 4.7 mg/dL vs 114.8 ± 6.4 mg/dL in group IP and 100.6 ± 3.5 mg/dL vs 107.1 ± 5.4 mg/dL in group C. No significant differences were found in serum total cholesterol while serum triglycerides showed a slight decrease in group IP.

Conclusion: 

A low-purine and hypocaloric diet was effective in improving metabolic parameters and body composition in elderly.