May 28, 2007 (Insidermedicine) Drinking four or more cups of coffee a day appears to reduce the risk of gout, according to research published in Arthritis & Rheumatism.

Gout is a painful joint disorder caused by a buildup of uric acid. It affects about 6 million Americans, and is most prevalent in men over the age of 40.

Previous studies have shown that coffee components are linked to lower short-term insulin and uric acid levels. It has been suggested that coffee consumption may affect the risk of gout, which is the most common inflammatory arthritis in adult males. Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages and more than half of Americans drink about two cups a day. It has also been investigated for its impact on health conditions from breast cancer to heart disease.

To examine how coffee consumption might aggravate or protect against gout, researchers surveyed more than 45,000 men aged 40 to 75 with no history of gout. They completed questionnaires about dietary habits, including what they drank.

Over 12 years, during which time more than 750 men developed gout, the researchers found the risk was 40% lower for men who drank four to five cups of coffee a day. Drinking six or more cups resulted in a 50 to 60% risk reduction compared to men who never drank coffee.

The researchers speculate that components of coffee other than caffeine, such as phenol chlorogenic acid, a strong antioxidant, may be responsible for the beverage’s gout-prevention benefits.

While drinking large quantities of coffee is not necessarily recommended, the findings can help individuals make an informed choice regarding coffee consumption. Future studies will look at the potential influence of hormones on the risk of gout in women and the influence of diet on uric acid levels among patients with existing gout.

Reporting for Insidermedicine, I’m Dr. Petra Joller.