The use of vitamin C supplements may help stave off gout in men.
The use of vitamin C supplements may help stave off gout in men.Previous research has shown an inverse link between vitamin C and uric acid levels in the blood, but whether higher concentrations of the vitamin reduce the risk of gout was unclear. Therefore, researchers from Canada studied 46,994 men with no history of gout at baseline to determine the role of vitamin C in preventing gout Vitamin C intake was assessed with validated questionnaires every 4 years and gout was determined using the American College of Rheumatology criteria.It was found that after 20 years of follow-up, 1,317 men developed gout. Also, when levels of vitamin C rose, the risk of gout fell. For each 500-milligram increase in daily intake of vitamin C, the gout risk dropped by 17 percent. Vitamin C intake of at least 1500 milligrams per day reduces the odds of gout by 45 percent compared with an intake of less than 250 milligrams per day.
The results of the above study indicate that high vitamin C levels are strongly associated with a lower risk of gout, and dietary increases in this vitamin may prevent the development of gout However, further research is needed to determine how these findings apply to women and to investigate possible interactions with female hormones.
The results of the above study indicate that high vitamin C levels are strongly associated with a lower risk of gout, and dietary increases in this vitamin may prevent the development of gout However, further research is needed to determine how these findings apply to women and to investigate possible interactions with female hormones.
Archives of Internal Medicine
March 2009
March 2009
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