Description

High-fructose beverages can increase uric acid production and potentially trigger gout attacks. Fructose, a type of sugar commonly found in sweetened beverages, soft drinks, and fruit juices, is metabolized differently than other sugars. During fructose metabolism, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is rapidly depleted, leading to increased production of uric acid as a byproduct. Additionally, fructose can stimulate the production of purines in the liver, further contributing to elevated uric acid levels. Sugary drinks may also indirectly increase gout risk by contributing to weight gain and insulin resistance. A prospective study published in the British Medical Journal found that consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks was associated with an increased risk of gout, with two or more servings per day increasing the risk by 85% compared to less than one serving per month [1]. Another study in Arthritis & Rheumatology demonstrated that fructose consumption was associated with an increased risk of recurrent gout attacks [2].