Reduce Gout Risk by Increasing Vitamin C Intake

According to a group of researchers who conducted a study on nearly 47,000 men over a period of 20 years, taking in more vitamin C may play a role in lowering a man’s risk of gout.

During the study period, over 1,300 of the participants developed gout. The researchers found that compared with men who had less than 250 milligrams of vitamin C intake from dietary and supplemental sources, the risk was lower by 17 percent among men who took 500 to 999 milligrams of vitamin C a day, 34 percent lower for those who had a daily intake of 1,000 to 1,499 milligrams, and a whopping 45 percent lower for those who consumed at least 1, 500 milligrams daily.

It can be observed that the higher the amount of vitamin C intake, the lower the risk of gout in the population of men studied. As per the researchers’ calculations, for every 500 mg increment in the intake of vitamin C, the risk of gout dropped 17 percent. 

Moreover, similar risks were noted when a comparison between men who took supplements and those who did not, was made. Men who had a daily supplemental intake of 1,000 to 1,499 milligrams vitamin C had a 34 percent lower risk than those who had no vitamin C supplementation. And a 45 percent gout risk reduction was seen with 1,500 milligrams of daily supplemental intake.

What is gout and how can it be prevented by vitamin C?

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Gout is a condition of the joints resulting from an overload of uric acid levels in the body. The excessive accumulation of uric acid can lead to the formation of tiny uric acid crystals in body tissues, particularly the joints, resulting in painful attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis).

According to the researchers, vitamin C apparently lowers uric acid levels in the body, thereby preventing the formation of crystal deposits that cause inflammation, swelling, and pain. It seems that this vitamin may impact re-absorption of uric acid by the kidneys, increase the rate at which kidneys perform its function, or provide protection against inflammation — all of which might bring about a reduction in the odds of developing gout.

The study, published in the March 9 issue of the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, provides another good reason to increase vitamin C consumption. Given the several known benefits provided by vitamin C including disease resistance, promotion of tissue repair, and facilitation of iron absorption, increasing intake of this vitamin is certainly a good idea.

But, is it indeed advisable to take in great amounts of vitamin C? If so, what would be the tolerable maximum amount one can take as a way of preventing gout?

Boston University School of Medicine’s Dr. Hyon K. Choi, who was then with the University of British Columbia at the time of the study said, “Given the general safety profile associated with vitamin C intake, particularly in the generally consumed ranges as in the present study (e.g. tolerable upper intake level of vitamin C of less than 2,000 milligrams in adults, according to the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine), vitamin C intake may provide a useful option in the prevention of gout.”