Vitamin C, that sunshine vitamin that is good for colds and other diseases, as well as preventing scurvy, has now been found to be effective in preventing as well treating gout in men. A 20 year study, conducted by researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine in 47,000 male test subjects, found that a regular daily dose of between 1,000 and 1,400 milligrams of vitamin C reduces the chance of gout in males by at least 34%
For those of you who are not aware, gout is condition usually caused by abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood. Often referred to as the “Rich man’s disease” because it strikes people who eat “rich” foods high in purines or heterocyclic aromatic organic compounds, gout results in uric acid crystallizing in places like hand and toe joints, resulting in extreme discomfort, swelling, and pain.
Although not confined exclusively to men, the studies found that men over age 40 are more prone to have this condition, especially if their diets are high in organ meats (liver, kidneys, etc.) alcohol, certain shell fish like scallops or oysters, and over consumption of alcohol. High levels of purine are also found in “non-rich” foods such as fava beans and other lentils.
“Given the normal safety profile usually associated with the consumption of vitamin C in this study, it provides a good alternative in the prevention of Gout” the study research leader, Hyun Choi, said. The study did mention, however, that maintaining a healthy, low purine diet is probably the best way to prevent gout from occurring.
Gout was very prevalent during the 19th and early 20th Century, especially in the UK, when diets were high in foods like steak and kidney pie, washed down with large quantities of beer and other alcoholic beverages. After a long decease, it has started to return in the last 30 years, however, due to dietary abuses involving high consumptions of meats and alcohols.
“It would be unwise for people to think that by simply taking high amounts of vitamin C, they can compensate for too many pints in the pub”, said Michael Snaith of the UK Gout Society.
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