Vitamin C may protect against gout

In a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, US researchers report on a 20-year study of 47 000 men which found that daily supplements of vitamin C cut the risk of gout. It appears that the vitamin has a dual action - reducing inflammation and reducing uric acid levels - the key factor in gout.

However, simply taking vitamin C and continuing the eat and drink gout-provoking substances would not be sufficient to prevent the condition.

In the study, 1317 of the men, who were all health professionals, developed gout.

Compared with men who did not take vitamin C supplements, those who took 1000 mg to 1499 mg per day had a 34% lower risk of gout and those who took 1500 mg per day had a 45% lower risk.

This was irrespective of other gout risk factors such as diet and alcohol use.

People should be able to get the required 40 mg of vitamin C daily by eating a varied diet.