The Effects of Vitamin C Supplementation on Serum Concentrations of Uric Acid Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective. Reductions in serum uric acid levels are clinically relevant. Previous studies have suggested a uricosuric effect of vitamin C. Whether vitamin C reduces serum uric acid is unknown. We undertook this study to determine the effects of vitamin C supplemen-tation on serum uric acid concentrations. Methods. The study was a double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial conducted in re-search units affiliated with an academic institution. Study participants were 184 nonsmokers, randomized to take either placebo or vitamin C supplements (500 mg/day) for 2 months. Results. At the end of the study period, serum uric acid levels were significantly reduced in the vitamin C group (mean change 0.5 mg/dl [95 % confidence inter