Effects of vitamin C supplementation on gout risk: results from the Physicians' Health Study II trial
Juraschek SP, Gaziano JM, Glynn RJ, Gomelskaya N, Bubes VY, Buring JE, et al.
Published in Am J Clin Nutr, Vol. 116 (3), pp. 812-819
Methodology
Post hoc analysis of the Physicians' Health Study II, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled factorial trial of vitamin C 500 mg/day and vitamin E 400 IU every other day in 14,641 US male physicians (mean age 64), followed for up to 10 years.
Key Findings
New gout diagnoses: 8.0 per 1000 person-years with vitamin C vs 9.1 with placebo (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99; P = 0.04), a 12% reduction, greatest in men with BMI under 25. Vitamin E had no effect (HR 1.05).
Conclusions
Vitamin C modestly reduced the risk of new gout diagnoses in middle-aged male physicians; effects in established gout remain untested.
Limitations
Post hoc analysis of a trial designed for other outcomes; gout was self-reported; men only, mostly white physicians; borderline confidence interval; no serum urate or flare data.
Supplements Studied
The vitamin C assignment reduced new gout diagnoses by 12%
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.