Gout is a type of arthritis that tends to flare up when uric acid crystals accumulate around your joints. A gout attack can cause intense pain and discomfort in the affected joint. Diet plays a major role in controlling gout. Although scientific evidence is limited and contradictory, some research indicates that folic acid may help prevent gout.
Gout
Men over the age of 40 are most likely to suffer from gout, and a family history of this disease can increase your risks. Other risk factors include consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, emotional stress, infection and certain medications. Foods that contain high levels of purine--such as shellfish, sweetbreads and meat--also increase your risk of gout attacks. Common symptoms of gout include swelling, redness and pain near a single joint, most commonly the large joint in your big toe. The symptoms may come on rapidly and can last up to 10 days. Medications to treat gout include corticosteroids and colchicines.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, or folate, is not a standard or customary nutrient for the treatment or prevention of gout, although some health care professionals have recommended it for more than 20 years. Folic acid is one of the B vitamins. Natural sources of this vitamin include leafy vegetables, fruits, okra, legumes, mushrooms, organ meats, orange juice and certain cereals and baked goods. The recommended amount of folic acid for most adults is 400 mcg per day. Although studies are contradictory, NYU Langone Medical Center reports that potentially positive effects may be due to a substance known as pterin-6-aldehyde. More research is necessary to determine the effect of folic acid on gout.
Vitamin B12
Taking too much folic acid may upset the balance of other B vitamins in your body, including B12. Folic acid may also mask a deficiency of B12. Colchicine, a drug your doctor may prescribe for gout, may also decrease the amount of B12 in your system, leading to a deficiency of this important vitamin. Taking your folic acid supplement together with a B12 supplement may help ensure that you absorb adequate amounts of both these water-soluble vitamins, reducing your risk of a vitamin deficiency.
Precautions
Talk to your doctor before taking vitamins or minerals to treat medical conditions such as gout. Although folic acid is safe for most people, you may experience mild side effects when taking supplemental doses of this vitamin, such as nausea, flatulence, cramps, diarrhea, itching and bloating.
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