From a functional medicine perspective, uric acid is more than just a marker for gout. It can serve as a clue to metabolic health, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, kidney clearance, and dietary patterns. Functional interpretation of uric acid Low uric acid Often overlooked, low uric acid may suggest Low protein intake or poor amino acid status Low purine intake Poor liver function or reduced purine production Copper deficiency (less common) Excess oxidative stress, s