Purine-Rich Foods, Dairy, and Protein Intake: How Diet Shapes Gout Risk in Men
Dr. Kumar’s Take
This NEJM study is one of the most influential dietary investigations on gout. For decades, patients were warned to avoid all purine-rich foods, from meat to beans. But this prospective study following over 47,000 men for 12 years overturned much of that advice. Meat and seafood did indeed raise gout risk. But purine-rich vegetables and protein intake did not, and dairy consumption, especially low-fat dairy, actually reduced risk. The study reshaped how we counsel patients, moving from blanket restrictions to more nuanced, evidence-based recommendations.