In this review, I look at part of a beet extract study. Normally, I prefer to review complete studies. Especially those that include human gout sufferers. But when I looked for links between uric acid and beets, this was the only study I could find.
So this is useful for people who want to lower uric acid naturally with beets or beetroot juice. Also, for people considering beet extracts. But you must discuss your intentions with health professionals. Because the evidence I present here does not give any indication how beets might be included in a gout management plan.
Citation for Beet Extract and Uric Acid
This is a GoutPal review of:
El Gamal, Ali A., Mansour S. AlSaid, Mohammad Raish, Mohammed Al-Sohaibani, Shaza M. Al-Massarani, Ajaz Ahmad, Mohamed Hefnawy, Mohammed Al-Yahya, Omer A. Basoudan, and Syed Rafatullah. “Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) extract ameliorates gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity associated oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in rodent model.” Mediators of inflammation 2014 (2014).
At the time of writing, this study has been cited by 76 other studies.
Beet Extract and Uric Acid Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate how beet extracts protect the kidneys against damage caused by an antibiotic, gentamicin. As such, this has nothing to do with gout. Except that the researchers included uric acid in their tests of kidney function.
But that uric acid involvement is only part of one of ten tests performed on rats. So I will break from my usual format for this review. Instead, I will only include those parts of the study that show the effects of beet extract on uric acid.
Beet Extract Study Method
Beet extract was prepared using alcohol. Rats were divided into 4 groups:
- No treatment (control)
- Antibiotic for 8 days
- 20 days pre-treatment with 250 mg/kg beet extract. Then antibiotic for 8 days
- 20 days pre-treatment with 500 mg/kg beet extract. Then antibiotic for 8 days
Beet Extract Study Results
Uric acid blood tests were performed 24 hours after the final treatment. Results were:
- Control: 1.1 mg/dL
- Antibiotic only: 5.36 mg/dL
- Antibiotic with 250 mg: 4.19 mg/dL
- Antibiotic with 500 mg: 2.77 mg/dL
Beet Extract and Uric Acid Conclusions
There are no conclusions for gout sufferers in this report. However, there is an indication that beet extract lowers uric acid. But testing on humans is required before any conclusions can be drawn. This is something you should discuss with your doctor before you change your beet consumption habits.
Cited By
- Beets and Gout
- This review is part of my preparation for a new gout food page about beets. So if you want to be informed when I publish it, please see my GoutPal.com Update Service.
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