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Vitamin C: Natural Treatment for Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that can cause a lot of pain and suffering to anyone who has this condition.  But do you know that boosting your vitamin C intake can help keep gout flare-ups at bay.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal growth and development. It aids in wound healing and shortens the duration of the common cold illness.  Since it is water soluble, excess vitamin C is excreted in the urine.

Recent studies have shown that increased vitamin C intake can lower the risk of gout and could prevent gout flare-ups. The study found that men who took high doses of vitamin C from food and supplements were up to 45% less likely to develop gout compared to those who had lower doses of the said vitamin.

Dr. Hyon K. Choi, A researcher from Boston University School of Medicine and his co-researchers  suggest that vitamin C appears to reduce blood uric acid; hence, preventing gout exacerbations. Increased levels of uric acid in the blood can lead to the formation of urate crystals, which accumulate in the joints; usually the big toe joint. These crystals can irritate the surface of the joints causing inflammation, pain and swelling.  

The 20-year study observed 46,994 healthy men who answered questionnaires about vitamin C intake every 4 years. During the study, 1,317 of the participants developed gout.

It was observed that those participants who took high doses of vitamin C (about 1,500 mg per day) had a 45% lower risk of developing gout compared to those who had lower doses (about 250 mg per day). The majority of the participants took 500 mg of vitamin C. The researchers noticed that for every 500 mg of the said vitamin, there is a 15% reduce risk of developing gout.