Snails with hard shells have a high risk of increasing gout.
Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines – a compound found in many foods, especially seafood and red meat. Snails are a nutritious food, but not all types of snails are safe for people with high uric acid levels. Some types of snails can contain high levels of purines, leading to an increase in uric acid in the body, causing the risk of developing gout.
Snails with hard shells such as apple snails and snails contain a significant amount of purine. When these snails are consumed, the body will convert purine into uric acid. If not excreted effectively, uric acid levels will increase in the blood, leading to the risk of urate crystallization in the joints - a typical sign of gout.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that shellfish such as clams and scallops have a moderate to high purine content, ranging from 100 to 400 mg of purine per 100 grams. This means that shellfish such as snails, apple snails, and mussels may pose a higher risk for people with a history of gout or high uric acid levels.
Freshwater snails contain lower purine levels.
Not all snails have the same effect. According to the World Health Organization, freshwater snails such as screw snails contain lower levels of purines than sea snails. Therefore, people who need to control their uric acid levels should choose snails with low purines if they want to eat snails.
To manage uric acid levels, nutritionists and medical experts from the American Rheumatology Association recommend that people at high risk limit their consumption of purine-rich seafood, including shellfish. Moderation and a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of hyperuricemia.
One thing to note is that snails such as apple snails, apple snails, and stuffed snails contain high levels of purines, which can increase uric acid if consumed in large amounts. Meanwhile, freshwater snails are less risky.
