Sociodemographic characteristics of adults.

BackgroundA positive association has been reported between elevated serum levels of uric acid (UA) with impulsivity and hyperactivity, behavior in murine models, and human psychopathologies. Still, other factors, such as diet composition, have not been considered. This study aims to determine the association between serum UA, impulsivity/hyperactivity symptoms, and dietary components in adults with psychiatric disorders.MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 adults who attended a psychiatric service. Fasting serum UA levels were determined by spectrophotometry. Impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms were evaluated using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Dietary components, including macronutrients, fiber, fructose, added sugar, vitamin C, zinc, copper, n-3 fatty acids, caffeine, and alcohol, were estimated using a 24-hour recall, food models, and nutrition software. Spearman's correlation and general linear models were applied. The last was used to adjust for confounders.ResultsSerum UA levels were positively correlated to symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and hyperactivity (Rho = 0.206, p= 0.020; Rho = 0.194, p= 0.028, respectively). Those correlations remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Every 1 mg/dl increase in serum UA levels predicted an elevation of 1.5 points of the hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms (p= 0.002; p-modelp= 0.003; p-model Rho = 0.470, Rho = 0.389, Rho = 0.485; all pRho = −0.297, Rho = −0.185, Rho = −0.212, and Rho = 0.203, all p 0.05, respectively). Hyperactivity correlated with dietary zinc, while impulsivity correlated with alcohol consumption (Rho = −0.185 and Rho = 0.195, pConclusionThe serum UA concentration independently predicts hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms in adults with psychiatric disorders.