8 Useful Vitamins and Supplements to Manage Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by high serum uric acid levels and joint pain. It results from an excess build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints. It commonly affects the great toes but can also affect other joints. Gout is often experienced as flare-ups with joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is a very painful condition and people need proper management to prevent flare-ups and worsening of the condition. As nutrition is an essential part of gout management, vitamins and supplements to manage gout can help to a great extent.

8 Useful Vitamins and Supplements to Manage Gout

Studies have shown that nutrition and nutritional behaviors have a major role in the development of gout.¹ Some relevant factors that affect health include body mass index, excessive intake of alcohol, meat, fruit juices, and soft drinks, which can increase the risk of gout or cause flare-ups in some cases. Consumption of dairy products and coffee can decrease the risk of gout as they help in the excretion of uric acid.¹

A 2014 study reported the use of dietary supplements mainly including amino acids, antioxidants, essential minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids, prebiotic agents, probiotic agents, and vitamins. It concluded that there was a reduction in the frequency of gouty attacks and adverse event-related trial withdrawal was also reduced.²

Nutritional supplements can help manage gout and reduce flare-ups as certain supplements can help fight off the inflammation, reduce serum uric acid levels in the body, and can boost the immune system.³

Here are some of the best vitamins and supplements to manage gout.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and is considered one of the best vitamins and supplements to manage gout. It can reduce cellular damage by neutralizing free radicals and helps keep tissues healthy. It can also help increase the excretion of excess uric acid by stimulating the kidneys and thus help reduce serum uric acid levels.

In a 2005 study, it was concluded that supplementation with 500 mg/day of vitamin C for 2 months reduced serum uric acid. It suggested that vitamin C may be beneficial in the prevention and management of gout.⁴

A 2009 study reported that higher vitamin C intake was linked with a lower risk of gout and that vitamin C supplementation can help in the prevention of gout. It showed up to 45% lower risk at the top vitamin C intake category of 1500 mg or more.⁵

A 2011 study concluded that vitamin C supplementation significantly lowered serum uric acid levels.⁶
Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin obtained from food, sun exposure, and supplements and serum levels of its form 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) are the best indicators of health. Several studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency increases various health risks and is also one of the best vitamins and supplements to manage gout. It can activate the parathyroid to induce the release of parathyroid hormone that can increase the serum uric acid levels.⁷

A 2020 study reported a lower risk of hyperuricemia with higher serum 25(OH) D, dietary vitamin D intake, and total vitamin D intake and no association between supplemental vitamin D intake and the risk of HU in women among US adults.⁷

A 2021 study done on patients with diabetes and hyperuricemia concluded that vitamin D supplementation lowers serum uric acid in prediabetic patients with hyperuricemia. Thus supplementation may be considered to help alleviate hyperuricemia in these patients.⁸
Skim Milk Powder

Some studies have suggested the use of skim milk powder as it can help reduce the symptoms of gout. This too has found its way to the list of vitamins and supplements to manage gout.

A 2012 study was conducted for 3 months on milk products for the prevention of gout flares. It was the first reported trial of dietary intervention in patients with gout. It concluded that skim milk powder enriched with glycomacropeptide (GMP) and G600 milk fat extract (G600) may reduce the frequency of gouty flare-ups.⁹
Turmeric

Turmeric is not just a popular spice and home remedy but also an important anti-bacterial, anti-septic and anti-inflammatory agent. It is believed to reduce inflammation and help reduce inflammatory arthritis like gout, by also reducing serum uric acid levels, thus considered one of the best supplements to manage gout.

Turmeric, with its active ingredient curcumin, helps control inflammation and pain for ages. It has been used in combination with other nutraceuticals to treat acute and chronic osteoarthritis pain. Recently, the use of turmeric, turmeric extract, or curcuminoids for musculoskeletal pain, has been more popularized.

A 2019 study that used turmeric nanoparticles (T-NPs) to treat gout reported that the uric acid levels were significantly reduced after the treatment and that these can prove to be an efficient antigout agent with minimal toxicities.¹⁰

Another study concluded that the administration of curcumin could effectively alleviate inflammation caused by monosodium urate (MSU) in gouty arthritis. Thus curcumin therapy can be helpful in the prevention of acute episodes of gout.¹¹
Fish Oils

Fish oil supplements contain omega-3-fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. However, considering the purine levels, choosing the right type of supplement is important. Studies have shown that when dietary omega-3-PUFA rich fish consumption, adjusted for total purine intake was linked with a lower risk of recurrent gout flares as compared to supplementation alone or taken in a self-directed manner.¹² Hence, specific sources and adequate doses of fish oils are required to prevent gout flare-ups.

A 2018 study reported that omega-3-carboxylic acids have anti-inflammatory effects and could be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of crystal arthritis by controlling inflammation.¹³
Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme naturally present in Bromelain and is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is popularly used in treating people with arthritis, and gout as it helps reduce muscle soreness, pain, and joint swelling.

It is also well-recognized for its antithrombotic and fibrinolytic effects, anticancer activity, and immunomodulatory effects, apart from being a wound healing and circulatory improvement agent.¹⁴
Ginger

Ginger is known for its medicinal properties and is one of the best supplements to manage gout. Studies have shown its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps control several inflammatory conditions apart from being a popular home remedy for cold, cough, and digestive troubles.

A 2013 study says shagaol, present in ginger has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can be used to manage gout.¹⁵
Coffee

A 2016 study reported its results on the effects of consumption of coffee on serum uric acid. It showed that coffee intake of 1 cup/day or more was significantly associated with a reduced risk of gout. It concluded that moderate coffee intake may help primary prevention of hyperuricemia and gout in both genders.¹⁶

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8 Useful Vitamins and Supplements to Manage Gout