Recent developments in diet and gout.
OBJECTIVE
Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in men, affecting approximately 1-2% of adult men in Western countries. United States gout prevalence has approximately doubled over the past two decades. In recent years, key prospective epidemiological and open-labeled dietary studies, coupled with recent advances in molecular biology elucidating proximal tubular urate transport, have provided novel insights into roles of diet and alcohol in hyperuricemia and gout. This review focuses on recent developments and their implications for clinical practice, including how we advise patients on appropriate diets and alcoholic beverage consumption.


RESULTS
Studies have observed an increased risk of gout among those who consumed the highest quintile of meat, seafood and alcohol. Although limited by confounding variables, low-fat dairy products, ascorbic acid and wine consumption appeared to be protective for the development of gout.


CONCLUSIONS
The most effective forms of dietary regimen for both hyperuricemia and gout flares remains to be unidentified. Until confirmed by a large, controlled study, it is prudent to advise patients to consume meat, seafood and alcoholic beverages in moderation, with special attention to food portion size and content of non-complex carbohydrates which are essential for weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity.
Lee
Susan J
SJ
Center for Innovative Therapy, University of San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037, USA. s2lee@ucsd.edu
Terkeltaub
Robert A
RA
Kavanaugh
Arthur
A
D001515:Beer / Q000009:adverse effects; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005526:Food, Formulated / Q000592:standards*; D006073:Gout / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D011687:Purines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood
D011687:Purines; D014527:Uric Acid