Effects Of Tary Cherry Ingestion On Food-Induced Serum Uric Acid Elevation

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that is caused by hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels) that form crystals in the joints. Ingestion of food and/or beverages containing high purine levels (e.g., beef, game meats, liver, shellfish, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, mushrooms, dried beans and peas, sweetbreads, excessive alcohol, etc.) increase uric acid levels and thereby can complicate the management of uric acid levels in individuals with hyeruricemia and/or gout. Prior research has shown that ingestion of a chrysanthemum flower oil containing a high level of polyphenols significantly reduced the uricemic response to ingesting a meal high in purines. Additionally, black cherry and grape juice extracts are purported to have uric acid lowering properties. We have previoulsy reported that tart cherry powder, another naturally occuriring source of phlyphenols, lessens exercise-induced inflammation. This study will examine if tart cherry can also reduce the uricemic response to ingesting a high purine containing meal. If so, this may provide another dietary approach to help individuals manage their uric acid levels.