The New Four Highs Are on the Rise — A Full-Blown Health Red Alert!

For years, the notorious “Three Demons” — high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids — have plagued Taiwan. But in recent years, a dark horse has emerged to join their ranks as the third most common condition among the “New Four Highs”: high uric acid.

A national health survey from 2017 to 2020 showed that among Taiwanese adults (19+), the rates of the “Four Highs” were : High blood pressure 26.3%, high blood lipids 25.4%, high uric acid 13.8%, and high blood sugar 10.9%.

hat Causes High Uric Acid (see diagram above)

High Uric Acid – The Silent Health Threat

When people hear “uric acid,” most immediately think of gout. However, its impact on the human body goes far beyond that. In many individuals, high uric acid levels may not cause any noticeable symptoms at first. Yet this “silent metabolic disorder” is quietly damaging overall health.

Chronically elevated uric acid can lead to the formation of crystals in the joints, triggering gout attacks. But more importantly, it can also affect the kidneys, cardiovascular system, and blood sugar metabolism in multiple ways (as shown below). High uric acid is no longer just a synonym for gout — it has become a ticking time bomb for chronic diseases, and a ruthless driver behind many modern health problems.

For this reason, monitoring and managing uric acid levels early on is key to preventing the onset and progression of related chronic conditions.

High Uric Acid ≠ Eating Too Much Seafood!

While it's commonly believed that consuming too much seafood or organ meats causes high uric acid, the truth is that diet accounts for only about 10–20% of uric acid levels. The remaining 80–90% is produced naturally by the body’s own metabolism.

So why is the prevalence of high uric acid increasing among modern people—so much so that it’s now dubbed the “Fourth High,” even surpassing high blood sugar in prevalence? Recent research reveals that the real culprit behind high uric acid is elevated insulin levels caused by obesity. Even without consuming high-purine foods, when insulin levels are too high, the kidneys tend to “lock in” uric acid, making it harder to excrete.

A study from Teikyo University in Japan found that insulin activates a transporter protein called URAT1, which increases the kidney’s reabsorption of uric acid, reducing its elimination through urine. In other words, even without a high-purine diet, a hyperinsulinemic state can cause the body to retain excess uric acid.

That’s why even people without obvious symptoms should pay attention to their daily lifestyle and dietary habits to prevent hyperuricemia.
To manage uric acid effectively:

• Limit high-purine foods
• Drink plenty of water
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy body weight

In addition, certain science-backed nutraceutical ingredients may help regulate uric acid production and support its excretion from the source.

A Health Revolution Begins at the Source – Your Essential Partner in Wellness

As global awareness of health and wellness rapidly grows, MLDBIO brings together international nutraceutical insights with innovative MIT-developed technology. In collaboration with academic institutions and backed by rigorous scientific validation, we transform nature’s finest into effective health solutions. At MLDBIO, we are proud to be your trusted partner in advancing wellness.

In 2025, we warmly invite you to join us in exploring the hidden health risks behind elevated uric acid. Discover key strategies for prevention and unlock new opportunities in metabolic health. We look forward to meeting you at the Asia Healthcare & Medical Cosmetology Expo.