New research published in Arthritis & Rheumatology suggests that adults with low blood levels of urate, a breakdown product of metabolism, may be at higher risk of having low skeletal muscle mass and strength and may face a higher risk of early death.

The study used 1999–2006 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Among 13,979 participants aged 20 years and older, low blood urate concentrations were associated with low lean mass, underweight body mass index, and higher rates of weight loss. Low blood urate was associated with a 61% higher risk of death (through 2015) before adjusting for body composition, but risk was non-significant after adjusting for body composition and weight loss.

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