The intake of beverages that are rich in fructose, like orange juice and sodas sweetened with sugar, is linked to an increase in the risk of developing gout in women, although their role to the risk of developing gout in the population is possibly moderate since there has been a low incidence rate in women.

This is according to a study that is scheduled to appear in the Journal of the American Medical Association’s print edition on November 24. But in order to correspond with its presentation at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, the study is being released earlier online.

The last ten years are a witness to the increasing burden brought about by gout.  In the United States alone, there is a yearly incidence of 42 people afflicted with gout in every 100,000 population.  This is a far cry from the 16/100,000 incidence way back 1977.  According to the authors of the study, the increase in the incidence of gout corresponded to a substantial increase in fructose and soda consumption.  These beverages can increase the levels of uric acid in the serum, and can thus increase the risk of gout.  However, more studies are required in order to gather more prospective date with regards to the relationship of gout and consuming fructose-rich beverages.

Details of the Study

Hyon K. Choi, MD., Dr.P.H. from the Boston University School of Medicine, together with his colleagues, observed the relationship between the incidence of gout and consumption of fructose and beverages rich in fructose in a big group of women. The study made us of data coming from the Nurses’ Health Study, a prospective cohort study done in the United States, spanning a period of 22 years, from 1984 to 2006.  Data from 78,906 women who had no history of gout at the start of the study were analyzed by the researchers.  The women also provided information with regards to their fructose intake as well as their intake of beverages with the use of food frequency questionnaires.

Throughout the 22 years of continuous follow-up, the researchers have documented 778 cases of newly diagnosed gout cases based on the criteria set by the American College of Rheumatology.  The researchers discovered that an increase in the consumption of soda sweetened with sugar was linked to increasing the risk of gout.  Women whose daily intake exceeded one serving exhibited a 74 percent increase in the risk of developing gout when compared to those who consume less than 1 serving a month.  Those who consumed 2 servings or more per day had a risk level which is 2.4 times higher. The intake of diet sodas, however, was not linked to the risk of gout.

Orange juice consumption was also link to the risk of gout.  Women who consumed 6 ounces (one glass) daily had a 41 percent increased risk of gout compared to those who consume less than per month.  Those who consume 2 or more servings daily had 2.4 times higher risk. The researchers said that the findings of the study have helpful implications for gout prevention in women.  They added that physicians must be aware of the probable effects of fructose-rich beverages on the risk of developing gout.  As a conclusion, the researchers said that the data they have gathered provide potential evidence as to the effects of fructose, saying that it poses an increase in the risk of gout in women.

What is Gout?

Gout is a common and very painful form of arthritis. It is caused by the build-up of high levels of uric acid inside the body.  Uric acid is a product of purine breakdown.  Purine is found in the tissues of the body, and common food sources include anchovies, dried beans, peas and liver.

Uric acid is normally dissolved in the blood. It goes through the kidney in order for it to be excreted with urine.  However, certain conditions cause uric acid build-up.  Here are the three main reasons that explain the presence of high levels of uric acid in the body:

1. The body increases uric acid production.
2. The kidneys fail to excrete uric acid.
3. The person eats too much purine-rich foods.

Gout causes extreme pain and can seriously affect a person’s quality of life.  In addition to pain, a person with gout may notice stiffness in the joints, heat, redness and swelling. The big toe is the most common site of gout, but other joints such as the elbows, wrists, fingers, knees, heels and ankles can be affected as well.

Fructose-rich Foods

Aside from soda and orange juice, certain food and food products contain high levels of fructose that we may not be aware of. This raises the red flag of concern especially for people who are advised to monitor sugar intake.  Fructose is naturally found in fruits, but some fruits contain high levels compared to the others.  Here is a quick reference guide to fructose-rich foods:

Fruits

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), fruits that grow on trees are high in fructose.  Examples of such fruits are oranges, grapes, bananas, pears, agave fruit and apples. Foods that contain these fruits as its main ingredient, therefore, are also high in fructose. This is true for both unsweetened and sweetened apple sauce as well as baby foods.

Other fruits that contain high levels of fructose are blackberries, huckleberries, raspberries, blueberries, honey dew, cantaloupe and watermelon.

Sauces

This may often go unnoticed, but certain sauces are rich in fructose.  This include honey, fruit salsa, barbecue sauce, molasses and the sweet and sour sauce.

Commercially Processed Foods

Because it is commercially-prepared, some food products contain high levels of fructose – even if you do not find it sweet.  Examples are crackers, breads, boxed dinners, canned foods, breakfast cereals in boxes, frozen foods, sweet pickles, soups, ketchup and other condiments.  Doughnuts, croissants, cookies, energy bars, ice cream, candies, pies, brownies and cakes are often too hard to resist.  But these foods are usually high in fructose.

Sources
niams.nih.gov
livestrong.com
healthsystem.virginia.edu
eurekalert.org