Skim Milk Fights Gout

Gout is an extremely painful inflammation of the joints and soft tissue caused by the formation of crystals of uric acid. The feet and big toe are frequently affected, but gout can also impact ankles, knees and elbows. Some research has suggested that drinking lemonade may reduce the risk of another gout attack.

Now a study from New Zealand demonstrates that skim milk may also be beneficial in preventing gout attacks. Researches found that late-season skim milk is high in orotic acid, which helps the kidneys excrete uric acid from the body. In countries like Australia and New Zealand, where animals are grass fed, milking is more seasonal than in the U.S. and has higher levels of orotic acid. But even low-orotic acid skim milk seems to have some benefit. The researchers speculate that increasing the amount of skim milk in the diet might help prevent gout attacks in susceptible people.

[American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting, Oct. 2009]