Gout is a form of arthritis that affects one of the body's joints, usually the big toe. It occurs when a chemical called uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals in the joints. This leads to extreme pain and inflammation in the affected joint. It is also sometimes accompanied by fever and chills. If you suffer from attacks of gout, your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or a drug called colchicine. Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, may help alleviate symptoms, although evidence to prove it works is inconclusive.
Sources and Dosing
Ascorbic acid is an essential water-soluble vitamin that the body cannot manufacture. As such, you need to get it through your diet or by taking a dietary supplement. Foods rich in ascorbic acid include red peppers, broccoli, strawberries, spinach, baked potatoes and green beans. Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant used in the treatment of a number of conditions, including the common cold, bronchitis and asthma. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 1 g daily, although this is only a guideline. Ask your doctor how much you should take to alleviate asthma symptoms.
Efficacy
The results of a prospective study published in the March 2009 issue of the "Archives of Internal Medicine" show that vitamin C intake is independently associated with a lower risk of gout. As such, the study's lead author, H.K. Choi from the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, notes that supplemental vitamin C intake may be beneficial in the prevention of gout. An article, also by H.K. Choi, published in the March 2010 issue of "Current Opinion in Rhematology," adds that vitamin C supplementation may help prevent gout by lowering uric acid levels.
Considerations
Excess ascorbic acid is excreted by the body so is unlikely to cause adverse effects, but the Office of Dietary Supplements notes that high doses may cause side effects, including diarrhea, abdominal cramps and nausea. It may also affect iron absorption. Do not take an ascorbic acid supplement if you suffer from hematochromatosis or renal impairment. It may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs so do not take an ascorbic acid supplement if you are undergoing chemotherapy.
Other Supplements
The UMMC notes several other supplements that may help to alleviate gout symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, while herbal supplements like devil's claw and bromelain may also help reduce pain. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements. Like ascorbic acid, they may cause side effects or may be unsuitable for you. For example, devil's claw may cause nausea, diarrhea and skin problems and is not suitable for people with diabetes, a stomach ulcer, high blood pressure or a heart disorder.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Ascorbic Acid
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
- PubMed: Vitamin C Intake and the Risk of Gout in Men: A Prospective Study
- PubMed: A Prescription for Lifestyle Change in Patients with Hyperuricemia and Gout
- RxList: Devil's Claw
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