Preventative Vitamins for Gout

Gout is an extremely painful type of arthritis that affects the body's joints, often showing up near the big toe. According to the Mayo Clinic, men are more likely to develop gout than women, although both sexes are at risk depending on a number of factors, most notably getting proper nutrition.

Current research bears good news for those seeking to prevent gout later in life, and certain vitamins are key in this prevention strategy. An examination of preventative vitamins is crucial in structuring a healthy diet to help avoid developing gout.

Vitamin C and Uric Acid

• Gout develops when an overabundance of uric acid, which is produced in the kidneys, builds up and crystallizes. These sharp crystals accumulate in the joints, and are responsible for the redness, swelling and pain of gout.

  The good news is that a common, widely available vitamin can help prevent uric acid buildup. Vitamin C, according to the National Institutes of Health, is strongly linked with gout prevention. According to current research, Vitamin C is involved in clearing the kidneys of uric acid, thus preventing the buildup and crystallization of the substance.

  Natural sources of Vitamin C, such as oranges and cranberry juice, as well as supplements containing this essential vitamin are equally valuable in preventing gout.

Preventative Vitamin Intake

• While increasing your intake of Vitamin C through diet and supplements can help prevent gout, certain vitamins and foods should be limited rather than increased. For instance, too much niacin, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, can lead to gout over time.

  The Mayo Clinic also recommends limiting your intake of protein, especially by avoiding certain unhealthy "fad" diets that emphasize high intake of protein and low or no carbohydrates. Protein is important to overall health and should certainly not be avoided; however, experts recommend getting a sensible amount of protein from healthy natural sources such as eggs, low-fat or skim milk and tofu.

Healthy Strategies to Prevent Gout

• While adjusting your vitamin intake is important in preventing gout, other simple steps can be taken as well. Avoiding drinking too much alcohol because alcohol consumption is a clear cause of gout. Drinking plenty of water, on the other hand, helps flush uric acid through the kidneys and is an excellent way to avoid gout.

  If you're a coffee drinker, the good news is in: Drinking coffee has been linked to gout prevention, according to the Mayo Clinic. Also, eating cherries, blackberries and raspberries (all great sources of antioxidants) is thought to reduce uric acid levels.

  But remember the taking too much Vitamin C and drinking excessive amounts of coffee an water can have problematic effects on your health. It is important to talk to your doctor about your diet and lifestyle to develop a vitamin-oriented strategy for preventing gout.