Exploring the Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Gout: A Narrative Review

Gout, a chronic inflammatory condition, is intricately linked to lifestyle factors such as diet and alcohol consumption. Alcohol significantly influences gout development and flares through mechanisms including hyperuricemia, oxidative stress, and purine metabolism. The impact of alcohol varies by type and quantity, with beer and spirits posing a higher risk due to their purine and ethanol content, while moderate wine consumption may confer potential anti-inflammatory benefits. Recent advances underscore the multifactorial nature of gout, revealing how host genetics and epigenetic modifications modulate alcohol's effects. Variants in genes regulating urate transport (SLC2A9, ABCG2) and alcohol metabolism (ADH1B, ALDH2) influence individual susceptibility, highlighting the need for personalized management strategies. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from genetics, lifestyle, and public health perspectives, emphasizing the importance of moderation, pharmacogenomics, and tailored interventions in improving gout outcomes.