What Probiotic to Take for Gout? Understanding Strains and Benefits

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

Research indicates that people with hyperuricemia and gout often have an altered gut microbiome, featuring lower levels of certain beneficial bacteria. For those asking what probiotic to take for gout, emerging evidence points towards specific strains that can help manage symptoms by targeting the metabolic pathways involved in uric acid production and excretion.

Quick Summary

Specific probiotic strains, primarily from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, can help lower uric acid levels and reduce inflammation by modifying gut microbiota and supporting renal function.

Key Points

Specific Strains Matter: Not all probiotics are effective for gout. Targeted strains like L. salivarius CECT 30632 and L. acidophilus F02 show specific benefits.
Targets Uric Acid Metabolism: Effective strains can degrade purine precursors, inhibit uric acid-producing enzymes (XOD/ADA), and promote intestinal excretion.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Probiotics can help mitigate the chronic inflammation associated with hyperuricemia and gout.
Supports Gut Health: By rebalancing the gut microbiome, probiotics can address dysbiosis often found in people with high uric acid levels.
Monostrain vs. Multistrain: Recent analysis suggests that single-strain probiotics may offer more targeted and statistically significant effects on uric acid levels compared to multi-strain products.
Complements, Not Replaces: Probiotics should be considered a complementary therapy to be used alongside conventional treatments and under medical supervision, not as a replacement.
Food Sources are a Factor: While supplements provide targeted strains, incorporating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut with live cultures can also support overall gut health.

The Gut Microbiome and Gout Connection

For decades, gout management primarily focused on diet and medication, but recent research highlights a crucial connection between gut health and hyperuricemia, the high uric acid levels that cause gout. An imbalanced gut microbiome, or dysbiosis, is frequently observed in patients with hyperuricemia. Certain beneficial bacteria possess the enzymatic capabilities to influence purine metabolism and uric acid excretion, offering a promising, complementary approach to therapy. Instead of relying solely on drugs, manipulating the gut microbiota through targeted probiotic intake can address the underlying metabolic imbalances.

Specific Probiotic Strains with Uric Acid-Lowering Potential

Several probiotic strains have been specifically investigated for their effects on uric acid levels and gout management. These studies, often in animal models or smaller human trials, have identified distinct mechanisms by which these microorganisms may provide benefit.

Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 30632

A clinical trial involving patients with hyperuricemia and recurrent gout episodes found that administration of Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 30632 significantly reduced the number of gout flares and the need for related medication. This strain was particularly efficient at metabolizing purine-related compounds.

Lactobacillus acidophilus F02

Derived from sourdough, Lactobacillus acidophilus F02 has demonstrated significant uric acid-lowerings effects in hyperuricemia mouse models. Its mechanism involves purine degradation, inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XOD) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), and anti-inflammatory effects.

Bifidobacterium animalis QC08

Bifidobacterium animalis QC08 has also shown uric acid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects in studies. Its mechanism is linked to inhibiting XOD activity and modulating uric acid transporter genes crucial for intestinal excretion.

Other Promising Strains

Other strains under investigation include:

Lacticaseibacillus casei JS-2: Shown to degrade uric acid and restore gut microbiota balance in animal models.
Lactobacillus paracasei 259: Reduced uric acid levels in rat models by inhibiting XOD and modulating uric acid transporters.
Limosilactobacillus fermentum GR-3: Showed effectiveness in reducing serum uric acid levels compared to conventional yogurt in studies.

Comparison of Probiotic Strains for Gout


Probiotic Strain	Primary Mechanism	Key Benefits	Notable Research	Target Patient Group	Availability
L. salivarius CECT 30632	Purine metabolite degradation, uric acid conversion	Reduced gout episodes, less medication needed	Human RCT (30 patients)	Hyperuricemia with recurrent gout	Often found in specialized supplements
L. acidophilus F02	Inhibits XOD and ADA, degrades purines	Lowered uric acid, anti-inflammatory	Mouse model	Hyperuricemia (in animals)	Specialized sourdoughs, supplements
B. animalis QC08	Inhibits XOD, regulates uric acid transporters (ABCG2)	Promotes uric acid excretion, anti-inflammatory	Mouse model	Hyperuricemia (in animals)	Research-specific, may not be widely available
L. casei JS-2	Uric acid degradation, modulates gut microbiota	Restores microbial diversity, lowers uric acid	Quail model	Hyperuricemia (in animals)	Isolated from a specific fermented food

How to Incorporate Probiotics into Your Routine

Probiotics can be incorporated through food or targeted supplements.

Probiotic-Rich Foods

Sources include yogurt with live cultures, kefir, unpasteurized sauerkraut, kimchi, and traditional fermented foods.

Targeted Probiotic Supplements

Targeted supplements are the most reliable way to consume specific strains like L. salivarius CECT 30632. A meta-analysis suggests monostrain probiotics may be more effective for uric acid reduction than multi-strain combinations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting supplements.

Conclusion

Specific probiotic strains offer a promising complementary approach for managing gout and hyperuricemia by reducing uric acid levels and inflammation. Strains like L. salivarius CECT 30632 and L. acidophilus F02 are particularly noteworthy for their effects on gut health and uric acid metabolism. While fermented foods provide general gut support, targeted supplements may offer more precise benefits. Probiotics are not a substitute for conventional medical treatment, and medical consultation is essential before adding them to your regimen.

{Link: Frontiers in Microbiology https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1111652/full}

Frequently Asked Questions

Strains with documented uric acid-lowering effects include Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 30632, Lactobacillus acidophilus F02, Bifidobacterium animalis QC08, and Lacticaseibacillus casei JS-2. They act by degrading purines, inhibiting key enzymes, and promoting excretion.

No, probiotics are a complementary therapy and should not replace prescribed gout medication like allopurinol or febuxostat. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Probiotics can help manage gout by addressing the underlying metabolic issues. They can break down purine compounds, inhibit enzymes that produce uric acid, and reduce the systemic inflammation associated with the condition.

Some meta-analyses suggest that monostrain probiotics may be more effective for uric acid reduction than multi-strain combinations, possibly due to a more targeted action. It is recommended to choose a specific, well-researched strain.

Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt with 'live and active cultures', kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. These foods contain beneficial bacteria, though the concentration and strains may vary compared to targeted supplements.

A healthy gut microbiome is involved in uric acid excretion through the intestines. An imbalance can impair this process, leading to elevated uric acid. Probiotics can help restore this balance and improve excretory function.

Probiotics are generally considered safe, but research is ongoing, especially regarding long-term use and optimal dosing. Some people may experience mild side effects like gas or bloating when starting. Consult a doctor, especially if you have pre-existing kidney conditions.