Low uric acid levels not a risk factor for MS

Some studies have reported abnormal levels of uric acid (urates) in fluids of people with MS. Uric acid has antioxidant properties, and it has been hypothesized that low levels of uric acids might increase a person's risk of MS. Scientists with access to serum samples collected from large cohorts analyzed uric acid levels in samples collected from people who later developed MS and from matched controls.

They found that levels tended to be lower in subjects whose blood was drawn shortly before development of MS, but the association was not statistically significant. No association was found when the scientists analyzed samples drawn further back before MS onset. The scientists concluded that if uric acid levels are indeed lower in people with MS, this is probably a result of the disease, rather than a cause of it.