HYPERURICEMIA ANG GOUT: THE ROLE OF DIET

From ancient times, gout has been related with excessive eating and drinking; however, it has not been until the last decade that a broader knowledge on dietary factors associated with hyperuricemia and gout has been achieved. Obesity, excessive intake of red meats and alcoholic beverages were already recognized as causal factors from Antiquity. Legumes and purine rich vegetables have been exculpated after the studies. New risk factors, not previously recognized, have been described such as fructose and sweetened beverages. Finally, protective factors have also been described, such as skimmed dairy products. Gout is characterized not only by an increase in uric acid, eventual episodes of arthritis, and chronic joint damage, but also by association with several comorbidities and increased cardiovascular risk. The adoption of more healthier dietary habits may contribute to better management of uricemia and also to a reduction of associated diseases. The most common practice recommendations according to current knowledge and the main treatment guidelines are reviewed. Additional studies are needed on the actual efficacy in clinical practice of the adoption of specific dietary measures on the management and clinical course of patients with hyperuricemia and gout.