Gout is an inflammatory arthritis that is caused by the formation of uric acid crystals in joints and can be really painful! Patients that are at a higher risk of gout are those with diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and a history of stroke.
There are several risk factors for gout, however, the easiest risk factor that can be modified is dietary choices. A diet high in purines (i.e. red meat), alcohol, and fructose will increase the risk of developing gout.
These dietary choices are linked to increased the amount of uric acid in our blood that can form crystals in joints such as the big toe.
A simple blood test can be performed to determine uric acid levels. In women normal uric acid levels are 2.4 to 6.0 while in men normal uric acid levels are 3.4 to 7.0.
Drugs to treat gout attacks include ibuprofen, colchicine, and corticosteroids. Strategies to prevent gout are allopurinol and probenacid. Each have their own array of side effects which is why there is a desire for natural alternatives.
Naturally, as there are some things in the diet that can INCREASE the risk of gout there should be some things in our diet that can REDUCE the risk of gout.
Quercetin is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables including elderberries, cranberries, red and yellow onions, apples, green hot peppers, kale, blueberries, romaine lettuce, pears, and spinach.
A study from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom published in the British Journal of Nutrition studied the possible role of Quercetin in reducing uric acid levels in patients as risk of developing gout.
Here are some details about the study:
- Study design: Double blind placebo controlled randomized cross over
- 22 males between 19-65 years old enrolled in the study
- BMI (Body Mass index) was between 18.5 and 29.9
- Patients took 500 mg of Quercetin in tablet form each day for 4 weeks
Here are the results:
- Uric acid levels decreased 0.45 mg/dL with Quercetin
- The average uric acid level was 5.55 and decreased to 5.11 mg/dl with Quercetin
- Diastolic blood pressure decreased 2.0 mm Hg with Quercetin
- No adverse events were reported
Take away messages: This randomized controlled clinical trial reported that supplementation with 500 mg/day of quercetin for 4 weeks reduced levels of uric acid, a risk factor for gout without showing any adverse events. The dose of Quercetin used in this study would be equivalent to about 3 tablespoons of onions (or 100 grams).
British Journal of Nutrition. 2016 March 14; Volume 115 (Issue 5): Pages 800-6.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Clinical Trials, Inflammation
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