WORLD DAIRY NEWS Milk and other dairy products may benefit people with gout

Milk and other dairy products may benefit people with gout. The proteins in dairy products can help the body get rid of uric acid and may help lower uric acid levels to prevent gout crystals.

A diet high in purines may lead  to excess uric acid in the body. Purines occur in certain animal and plant foods. If uric acid builds up, it can lead to deposits of sharp crystals that cause gout.

According to the Arthritis Foundation , consuming low fat dairy products may help lower uric acid levels and reduce the risk of gout flares. Milk also contains proteins that can help the body get rid of uric acid through urine.

This article looks at how milk may affect gout, which types of milk may be best to consume with gout, and the effects of other dairy products on gout.

How can milk help with gout?

A  2018 systematic review trusted source  suggests dairy products may help reduce uric acid levels in the body and reduce the risk of gout. Milk is low in purines. It contains casein, whey protein, and calcium , which may help the body excrete uric acid in urine.

A 2021 research article   examined the prevalence of gout in Japan and its potential link to diet.

The article author suggests that skim milk powder containing G600 milk fat extract and glycomacropeptide, a type of protein, improved joint pain and reduced gout flares over 3 months.

Can milk make gout worse?

Rather than worsening gout, milk may be beneficial for people with gout. Certain dairy products may reduce the risk  of high uric acid levels and gout.

The Arthritis Foundation  advises people with gout to drink low fat milk. Proteins in milk can help the body to get rid of excess uric acid, which may help lower uric acid levels in the blood and lessen the risk of gout flares.

The foundation also suggests  following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietTrusted Source. This diet advises people against consuming full fat dairy products.

However, the 2021 article looking at gout in Japan suggests all types of milk and dairy products are associated with lower uric acid levels, although low fat versions are preferable.

Other foods that can make gout worse

Foods high in purines can lead to a build-up of uric acid in a person’s body, which can cause gout flares.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, cutting out high purine foods from the diet may prevent gout flares in some people.

Some high purine foods to avoid include:

• organ meat, such as kidney and liver
• sugary drinks
• candy and sugary desserts
• alcohol
• high fructose corn syrup, which may be found in highly processed foods, such as fast food
• red meat

Some foods, such as types of seafood and some fruits, may increase uric acid despite other health benefits they can offer.

People with gout can talk with a healthcare professional to weigh the benefits and risks of including these foods in their diet. Some doctors may recommend limiting these foods to smaller portions.

How much milk should a person with gout drink?

Some experts recommend the Mediterranean and DASH diets as the best for gout and overall health.

According to a 2020 review, the Mediterranean diet includes moderate portions of low fat dairy products each day or week, in which a portion equals one glass of milk or yogurt.

The DASH diet includes 2–3 servingsTrusted Source of low fat or fat-free dairy product each day.

What type of milk is best?

Low fat dairy or nonfat dairy may be the most beneficial type of milk to consume for people with gout, particularly in people who also have high blood pressure.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, nondairy milk options are suitable for people with gout, such as:

• lactose-free milk
• nut milks
• other nondairy alternatives, such as cashew cheese

Soy milk may also be beneficial for people with gout. A 2018 systematic review found that soy products had a negative link to high uric acid levels and gout risk.

The 2021 research article looking at gout and diet in Japan associates soy products with a lower risk of high uric acid levels. The article author suggests that soy products are essential for gout prevention in Japan.

How do other dairy products affect gout?

Other dairy products may also be beneficial for gout due to the proteins they contain, such as casein and orotic acid. These proteins may help lower uric acid levels in the body.

Certain dairy products, such as cheese, are high in saturated fats. High fat intake may be associated with certain health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, a nutritious, balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean or DASH diets, may be best for managing gout. This may includeTrusted Source daily servings of low fat or fat-free dairy products but may require avoiding full fat dairy products.

Summary

Diet can play a role in gout due to the purine content in foods. Substances high in purines may increase uric acid levels in the body. High uric acid levels can cause gout.

Milk and other dairy products may help reduce the risk of high uric acid levels and gout flares. Milk contains proteins that help the body get rid of excess uric acid.

Overall, eating a balanced, nutritious diet containing low fat dairy may benefit people with gout.