Drinking coffee reduces risk of gout in middle age men

Long-term study links increased coffee consumption to decreased risk of gout in men over age 40

Gout is a common and excruciatingly painful condition caused by a disturbance in uric acid metabolism. Gout occurs in 8.4 of every 1,000 people and is most prevalent in men over the age of 40. A new study by Hyon K. Choi of the University of British Columbia showed that levels of uric acid in the blood significantly decreased with increasing coffee intake. During a gout attack the body uses uric acid to form painful urate crystals.

Dr. Choi's study showed that men who drank decaffeinated coffee also benefited but not so for those who drank tea suggesting components of coffee other than caffeine contribute to the reduced levels of uric acid. Among the possibilities, coffee contains the phenol chlorogenic acid, a strong antioxidant.

The risk for developing gout was inversely proportional with the amount of coffee consumed meaning the more than an individual drank the less the risk of developing gout. For example, the risk of gout was 40 percent lower for men who drank 4 to 5 cups a day and 59 percent lower for men who drank 6 or more cups a day than for men who never drank coffee. (Women were not part of the study so the impact of coffee consumption on uric acid in females is not known.)

Dr. Choi's study is particularly noteworthy because in the past men with gout were told to avoid coffee. Coffee is one of the most popular and widely consumed beverages in the world; more than 50 percent of Americans drink it at the average rate of 2-3 cups per day. As a result its potential effects have important implications for public and individual health. Coffee has also been linked to reduced risks of certain diseases, especially of the liver and diabetes.

More on Gout:

Gout (also called metabolic arthritis) is a painful disorder that attacks the joints (often starting in a patient's big toe). It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood. It affects about 6 million people in the United States, and tends to be a bigger problem for men than women. Risk factors for gout include body mass index, history of hypertension, alcohol use, and a diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy foods.

Story sources: Eureakalerts link and link, Reuters Health, and NutraIngrediants.com.

tags: coffee gout