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What can large amounts of fructose cause in gout patients?

  1. Elevated blood urea nitrogen

  2. Hyperuricemia

  3. Hypoglycemia

  4. Lowered cholesterol

The correct answer is: Elevated blood urea nitrogen

Fructose is known to have a significant impact on purine metabolism, leading to increased production of uric acid. For patients with gout, consuming large amounts of fructose can result in hyperuricemia, which is characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This occurs because fructose metabolism stimulates the synthesis of purines, which are then broken down into uric acid. When this acid accumulates beyond the kidney's ability to excrete it, it can trigger gout flares. Hence, the correct answer regarding the effects of large amounts of fructose in gout patients is hyperuricemia, as it directly relates to the mechanisms of gout development and exacerbation.