How does alcohol consumption affect gout management?

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Last updated: June 2, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Alcohol consumption should be significantly limited or avoided entirely for effective gout management, as it exacerbates gout symptoms and can trigger gout attacks. According to the most recent and highest quality study, beer and spirits particularly worsen gout symptoms and should be eliminated from the diet of gout patients 1. Alcohol raises uric acid levels in the blood through multiple mechanisms: it increases uric acid production, decreases uric acid excretion by the kidneys, and contains purines that convert to uric acid. Additionally, alcohol can interfere with gout medications like allopurinol, colchicine, and probenecid, reducing their effectiveness.

Some key points to consider:

  • The 2016 updated EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of gout suggest that every person with gout should receive advice regarding lifestyle, including avoidance of alcohol (especially beer and spirits) and sugar-sweetened drinks, heavy meals, and excessive intake of meat and seafood 1.
  • The association between excessive intake of meat and alcohol with an increased risk of developing gout has been confirmed, as well as increased risk of gout attacks 1.
  • Other studies have also confirmed that weight loss, achieved by dietary intervention or bariatric surgery, is effective in reducing serum uric acid levels, and that regular physical activity might decrease the excess mortality associated with chronic hyperuricaemia 2.
  • The American College of Physicians guideline on the management of acute and recurrent gout also notes that risk factors for gout include alcohol intake, and that management of gout includes both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches, including dietary and lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and exercise 3, 4.

Overall, the evidence suggests that limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption is essential for effective gout management, and that patients should be advised to avoid alcohol, especially beer and spirits, to reduce the risk of gout attacks and improve overall health outcomes.

From the Research

Alcohol Consumption and Gout Management

  • Alcohol consumption is recognized as a risk factor for increased uric acid and gout flare 5.
  • There is a significant dose-response relationship between the amount of alcohol consumption and the risk of recurrent gout attacks 6.
  • Episodic alcohol consumption, regardless of the type of alcoholic beverage, is associated with an increased risk of recurrent gout attacks 6, 5.
  • Individuals with gout should limit alcohol intake of all types to reduce the risk of recurrent gout attacks 6, 5.

Types of Alcoholic Beverages and Gout Risk

  • Beer and liquor have been associated with an increased risk of incident gout 6.
  • Wine is also thought to trigger gout attacks, although some studies suggest that moderate wine consumption may have a protective effect due to its antioxidant and phytoestrogen content 5.
  • Consuming wine, beer, or liquor is each associated with an increased risk of gout attack 6.

Gout Management and Treatment

  • The management of gout involves the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, and corticosteroids for acute gout, as well as urate-lowering therapy such as allopurinol and febuxostat 7, 8, 9.
  • Uricosuric drugs, such as probenecid, can also be used to increase uric acid excretion 7, 8, 9.
  • The goal of gout management is to reduce serum uric acid levels and prevent gout flares, with a focus on personalized treatment based on individual patient factors such as comorbidities and patient preference 8, 9.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

The role of alcohol consumption in pathogenesis of gout.

Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 2022

Research

The management of gout.

Australian prescriber, 2016

Research

An update on the pharmacotherapy of gout.

Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 2025

Research

Advances in pharmacotherapy for the treatment of gout.

Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 2015

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.