Description

Limiting the intake of sugary beverages, particularly those containing high-fructose corn syrup, is an important dietary intervention for gout management. A prospective study by Choi and Curhan (2008) in the British Medical Journal found that consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks was strongly associated with an increased risk of gout in men. The study showed that men consuming two or more servings of sugar-sweetened soft drinks per day had an 85% higher risk of gout compared to those consuming less than one serving per month. The mechanism behind this association was further explored in a review by Rivard et al. (2013), which explained how fructose metabolism can lead to increased uric acid production. Another study by Batt et al. (2014) in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases demonstrated that sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was associated with a higher risk of gout flares. The American College of Rheumatology guidelines (Khanna et al., 2012) recommend limiting or avoiding intake of high-fructose corn syrup-sweetened sodas and other beverages. It's important to note that artificially sweetened diet sodas have not been associated with an increased risk of gout and may be a better alternative for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.