Dr. Kumar’s Take
This study gives solid evidence to something many patients have suspected for years: cherries can help lower the risk of painful gout flares. Both fresh cherries and cherry extract were linked to fewer attacks, with the best protection seen when patients also took allopurinol. While cherries are not a replacement for medication, they can be a simple and natural addition to a gout-friendly lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
✔ Cherry intake was linked to a 35% lower risk of gout attacks.
✔ Cherry extract showed similar protection, reducing risk by 45%.
✔ Combining cherries with allopurinol cut gout attack risk by 75%.
✔ Benefits appeared at about 2–3 servings in a 2-day period.
✔ Effects were consistent across men, women, obese and non-obese groups.
Actionable Tip
If you struggle with gout, adding 1–2 cups of cherries or using a cherry extract supplement a few times per week could lower your risk of flares. For those already on allopurinol, cherries may provide even stronger protection.
Study Summary
Researchers from Boston University studied 633 gout patients over one year. Using a case-crossover design, they compared patients’ cherry intake in the days before a gout attack to periods without an attack. Eating cherries or cherry extract within the previous two days was linked to a significantly lower chance of having a flare.
Study Design
- Participants: 633 adults with physician-diagnosed gout.
- Design: Online, case-crossover study (each participant served as their own control).
- Follow-up: 12 months.
- Exposure: Fresh cherry intake (measured in servings) and cherry extract use.
- Outcome: Risk of recurrent gout attack within 2-day hazard periods compared with control periods.
Results
- Cherries: 35% reduced risk of gout attacks (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50–0.85).
- Cherry extract: 45% reduced risk (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.30–0.98).
- Dose effect: Protection strongest at ~2–3 servings in 2 days; higher amounts did not add benefit.
- Allopurinol + cherries: 75% lower risk compared to neither (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.15–0.42).
- Consistency: Effects were seen across sex, weight status, alcohol intake, and diuretic use.
How Cherries May Protect Against Gout
- Lower uric acid: Cherries may reduce uric acid by decreasing xanthine oxidase activity and improving kidney clearance.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Rich in anthocyanins, cherries can block inflammatory pathways like COX and nitric oxide radicals.
- Antioxidant support: Bioactive compounds reduce oxidative stress, which may help calm joint inflammation.
Strengths and Limits
Strengths:
- Large sample size of gout patients.
- Case-crossover design reduces bias from genetics or lifestyle differences.
- Consistent benefit across multiple subgroups.
Limits:
- Observational, not randomized.
- Cherry intake self-reported, which can introduce recall errors.
- Does not prove long-term effects of habitual cherry use.
- Did not directly measure uric acid levels in participants.
Related Studies and Research
Vitamin C and Uric Acid: Gout Study – Examines whether vitamin C supplementation can lower uric acid levels.
Loss of Uricase in Human Evolution and Health – Reviews the genetic loss of uricase and its role in modern diseases.
History of Gout and Its Treatment – Tracks the evolution of gout understanding and treatment methods.
Podcast: How to Make Gout Disappear from Your Life – A comprehensive look at modern and ancient gout science—and how to beat it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cherries should I eat to prevent gout attacks?
The strongest benefits were seen at about 2–3 servings over 2 days (roughly 20–30 cherries).
Does cherry extract work as well as fresh cherries?
Yes, cherry extract showed similar benefits in reducing risk.
Can I replace my allopurinol with cherries?
No. Cherries are an addition, not a substitute. The best results came when cherries were combined with allopurinol.
Do sweet cherries and tart cherries both help?
The study included multiple types, but tart cherries may have higher anthocyanin levels.
How fast do cherries work?
The protective effect was seen within just 2 days of intake.
Bottom Line
Cherries, whether fresh or in extract form, can lower the risk of gout flares. They seem especially effective when combined with standard treatments like allopurinol. While more randomized trials are needed, adding cherries to your diet is a simple, safe, and potentially powerful tool for gout prevention.