Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that can be found in a variety of foods, including citrus fruits, broccoli, and peppers. It is an essential micronutrient for humans that protects our immune system and prevents various diseases. Vitamin C has been speculated for a potential protective effect against gout by reducing serum uric acid levels (1).

In a 2009 study by Hyon Choi, MD, Xiang Gao, MD, and Gary Curhan, MD, 46,994 men were studied over a 20-year period (1986-2006) to discover the relationship between Vitamin C intake and risk of gout. 1317 cases of confirmed incident gout were documented and it was found that the relative risk for gout decreased with higher Vitamin C dosage per day (<250mg/day to >= 1500mg/day), such that supplemental Vitamin C may be beneficial to preventing gout (1).

In a 2011 study meta-analysis, 13 randomized control trials, with a total of 556 participants, found a significant reduction in serum uric acid levels when taking 500mg/day of Vitamin C for 30 days. Hyperuricemia is the main risk factor for developing gout, which results from excessively high serum uric acid levels. Vitamin C is continually studied as an alternative to drugs that may carry significant side effects to reduce serum uric acid levels (2).

Although there have been promising results for Vitamin C intake as a preventative measure against gout, the studies are ongoing and large amounts of Vitamin C can cause diarrhea, bloating, and kidney stones amongst men.

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