Gout can be a hereditary disorder or it may occur as the result of too much food, alcohol or certain medications. Gout is a painful form of arthritis in which too much uric acid builds up in the body. The uric acid forms crystals that collect in some of the joints, causing pain, swelling and inflammation at the site. Eating some types of foods or taking supplements, such as vitamin C, may help to reduce symptoms of gout.
Gout
Gout results in painful and swollen joints and is often concentrated in one joint in particular, such as the big toe. Gout can occur when you eat too many foods that are high in purines, such as organ meats, anchovies, herring, mackerel, beef, mushrooms, asparagus and goose. Purines in these foods break down to form uric acid, the buildup of which leads to gout symptoms. Your doctor can advise you about what types of foods to eat that will help with symptoms of gout and you may need to take vitamin supplements for nutrition to derive benefits from some antioxidants, such as vitamin C.
Vitamin C
Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a type of water-soluble vitamin that has many essential functions in the body. Vitamin C builds collagen and plays a role in the development of neurotransmitters in the brain. It may also help with the metabolism of bile, which is formed by the liver in response to fat and cholesterol. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which works to protect the body from cell damage from free radicals. Men over 19 years need at least 90 mg per day of vitamin C, while women need 75 mg daily. It is found in foods such as citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and potatoes. Most people get vitamin C in their diets, but supplements may be necessary in some situations, such as the prevention of gout.
Gout Prevention
Vitamin C may prevent gout from forming by altering levels of uric acid in the body. According to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, moderate amounts of vitamin C supplements, approximately 500 mg daily, may increase the amount of uric acid that is excreted in the urine. Although this work of vitamin C may best serve those with elevated levels of uric acid in the body, vitamin C may be used as a preventive measure, rather than treating gout that has already formed.
Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C has been well researched for its antioxidant effects, with claims that it can treat everything from the common cold to infertility. Although a vitamin C supplement may be beneficial toward a healthy diet and can reduce your risk of developing gout, see your doctor before taking this vitamin in supplements to treat your symptoms. Your doctor can advise you as to how much vitamin C you need daily, as well as treat your gout if you have symptoms. Vitamin C supplements could interact with some medications, including aspirin, heparin, iron supplements or chemotherapy for cancer.
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