Q: Is it safe for someone with gout to take whey protein supplements?
A: Whey protein supplements are popular among athletes and bodybuilders because the supplements are often marketed as a means of building and maintaining muscle following workouts during which amino acids are depleted.
Whey proteins are a mixture of proteins that can be isolated from whey, a byproduct of cheese making. Whey proteins are considered complete proteins – that is, they include all the essential amino acids.
Gout is a form of arthritis stemming from an inborn error in the metabolism of the bodily waste product uric acid. Excess uric acid circulating in the blood seeps out and forms crystals in and around the joints. Historically, gout causes or contributing factors have included the consumption of a “rich” diet and the presence of a high level of purines. Purines, like proteins, include nitrogen and ultimately are excreted by the kidney as uric acid.
Whey proteins may not be linked directly with gout. However, people with gout should exercise caution before increasing the protein load from whey. The burden on the kidneys to excrete or clear the whey products might become excessive, especially if the kidneys are already compromised.
When deciding whether to use nutritional supplements, including whey protein supplements, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. He or she will have the information needed about your kidney status, is familiar with the medications you are taking to treat gout and can evaluate your muscle status.
Mary Fran Sowers, PhD, RD, Registered Dietitian and Epidemiologist
































I have had gout for 5 years. I am now on Uloric 80mgs per day. Uric acid level is 5.0. I still get pain with certain foods. I do work out and would like to start taking some form of protein supplement. I am hearing about products like iso100 no cholestrol-sugars-low in carbs.has anyone tried this powder yet?
I asked my doctor and they said it shouldn't be the supplements but I beg to differ. My diet is all in check and I eat regularly and have cut alcohol out completely so I don't see waht else would be causing the gout flaring up.
Are there any protein supplements I can take that you may know of that may be better? Or once I start the Allopurinol, will that bring my uric acid levels down and in check meaning I can continue using these supplements. Please help!!!... Thanks...
I decided to try whey protein powders to help keep muscle mass and I had two glasses of coconut milk mixed with whey protein powder in one day. The very next morning I had a gout flare up in my left big toe.
No more whey protein powder for me that is for sure.
What vegen diet should I take?
I have whey protein shake, can I use it every day?
Should I jog on treadmill for 20 minutes. I usually feel weak after jogging.
Any suggestions of a protein supplement?
and my backbone is giving me frequent pain almost everyday....i m lean n want to develop my body texture so i want to take whey protein...is it good for the uric acid patient like me to introduce the protein in my body?
Thank you so much for your help.
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