Vitamin C could be the answer to gouty arthritis sufferers’ problems
Yes, you probably know this – gout is a form of arthritis that can be extremely painful. The condition is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which leads to the formation of crystals in the joints. This can cause inflammation, swelling, and severe pain. Although there are treatments available to help manage gout symptoms, many of them come with unpleasant side effects.
However, new research suggests that vitamin C could be a safe and effective way to reduce your uric acid levels slightly and help people with gout. In a study recently published in the journal Nutrients, scientists looked at the effect of vitamin C on uric acid levels in people with gouty arthritis. They analyzed data from two previous studies that included 134 participants. The first study included 74 participants who were given either 500 mg of vitamin C or a placebo every day for two weeks. The second study included 60 participants who were given either 1 gram or 2 grams of vitamin C per day for four weeks.
The researchers found that vitamin C was effective at reducing uric acid levels in both studies. In the first study, those who took 500 mg of vitamin C per day saw their uric acid levels decrease by about 15%. In the second study, those who took 1 gram or 2 grams of vitamin C per day saw their uric acid levels decrease by about 20%. What’s more, these reductions were achieved without any adverse side effects.
Awesome news, right? Vitamin C is easily accessible as a supplement and is also highly available in a variety of foods like cantaloupe, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, red cabbage, broccoli, kiwi, and others. Of course, you shall be aware of two main things – do not overdose on vitamin C, and at the same time, you shall take it daily since this vitamin is water soluble and does not build up in your organism. If you suffer from gouty arthritis and you’re looking for an alternative treatment option, talk to your doctor about whether vitamin C might be right for you.
References to this article:
1) Vitamin C Intake and the Risk of Gout in Men – A Prospective Study (PMC2767211, doi: 10.1001/archinternmed.2008.606)