Uric Acid: Uric acid comes from breaking down purines, found in foods like organ meats, spinach, mushrooms, yeast, and asparagus, and from cell proteins. High levels may occur with kidney problems, gout, alcoholism, or high-protein diets. Low levels are usually due to low-protein intake or malabsorption. Food sources include organ meats, sardines, anchovies, beer and high fructose corn syrup. Uric acid is involved in antioxidant defense, but excess can cause gout.