Nutritional supplements can have many benefits, but they’ve also got a hidden side that may not be so positive. Ever hear of gout? It’s that painful form of arthritis that can make every step you take a nightmare. Well, unfortunately, some of the very supplements that boost our health can also trigger a gout attack. So, to keep you safe, today’s post will take you through a journey of the supplements that could cause problems, explaining why they’re risky and providing tips on how to protect yourself from future gout flares.
What is Gout?
Gout is the unwelcome guest at the party in your body, making your joints its playground and leaving you in terrible pain. Caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood, gout forms sharp crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation, intense pain and swelling. But where does this excess uric acid come from?
The answer lies in purines, compounds found in many foods—especially proteins. When broken down, purines turn into uric acid. But what does that have to do with supplements and gout risk? Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Nutritional Supplements ![]()
Nutritional supplements, largely recognized as a route to bolster overall health, can help you ensure intake of the essential nutrients you need for optimal body functioning. They
encompass a broad range of products including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs and other substances. Typically, you take them in capsule, tablet or powder form. From boosting immunity and energy levels to promoting skin health and muscle recovery, nutritional supplements can be beneficial. But they can also become a double-edged sword for your health.
Over-reliance on supplements, engaging in inappropriate self-prescription or consuming them in high doses can lead to an array of issues. These include nutritional imbalances, adverse interactions with medications or even potential toxicity. In some cases, certain nutritional supplements can even increase the risk of conditions such as gout. Therefore, you shouldn’t use these supplements to replace a healthy diet. Ideally, you should take them under the supervision of a trusted healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness. But which supplements are a risk for people with gout? How and why do they increase your risk? That’s our very next topic of discussion.
Nutritional Supplements and Gout: Identifying the Risky Choices
Here are some of the supplements that present a risk for triggering gout flares. Niacin or vitamin B3 can help lower cholesterol and promote heart health. While it is a key nutrient in our bodies, niacin in high doses can increase uric acid production. (That’s because it can expand your blood vessels, in turn impacting the way your kidneys eliminate waste—including uric acid.) As such, dosing in moderation is key if you have a history of gout. And be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before taking niacin as a supplement.
Another risky supplement is vitamin C, valued for boosting your immune system and fighting off colds. However, like niacin, vitamin C can interfere with the way your body gets rid of uric acid. Again, moderation will be key in preventing gout flare ups while taking this supplement.
Another supplement to take with caution is a protein supplement. Popular with athletes and gym goers for muscle building and recovery, protein supplements derived from animal sources like whey are high in purines. Remember, when your body breaks down purines, it produces uric acid. Plus, high protein intake puts extra stress on your kidneys, making it harder to clear out that uric acid. In combination, this double punch could increase uric acid levels in the body to the point where your gout flares up.
Individual amino acids can also increase gout risk. Often used to enhance exercise performance and muscle recovery, these supplements can become problematic because they increase the production of purines. Creatine, another popular supplement with fitness enthusiasts, also boost muscle energy and exercise performance. However, creatine—like amino acids—can contribute to purine production. (The supplement is actually derived from amino acids.) Furthermore, taking a creatine supplement can reduce the kidneys’ ability to clear uric acid. Again, this dangerous combination dramatically increases your risk for a gout attack.
Now, you may start taking iron supplements if you have anemia. (Iron can also improve energy levels and enhance focus.) However, if you take too much iron, it can interfere with the way your body manages uric acid, either increasing its production or decreasing its elimination. As such, if you’re taking iron, your healthcare provider should monitor your uric acid levels to decrease your risk for gout attacks in the future.
Finally, supplements such as herbal tinctures that contain alcohol can increase are also risky. Alcohol can cause uric acid levels to rise both by increasing its production and decreasing its elimination. (That’s why we see so many people experience gout attacks the day after alcohol-fueled holidays such as Superbowl Sunday.) You should therefore use any alcohol-containing supplements with caution. The same is true of yeast-derived supplements such as brewer’s yeast. Valued for their rich mineral and vitamin B content, these supplements are also high in purines. As such, taking them can increase uric acid concentrations, increasing your risk for a painful gout attack.
Staying Safe with Nutritional Supplements and Gout
If you have a history of gout, you should always consult a healthcare provider before taking any new supplements. While they can offer numerous health benefits, you must be aware of their risks and exercise caution with your supplementation. Stay informed and stay healthy. And for more help managing painful gout attacks, reach out to our podiatrist in Houston to request a consultation.
