What Supplement Should I Take for Uric Acid?: A Guide to Natural Support

October 31, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Arthritis Foundation, consuming as few as 10 cherries daily can reduce the risk of recurrent gout attacks by half. For those wondering what supplement should I take for uric acid, this and other natural options offer complementary support for managing levels, but should always be discussed with a healthcare provider first.

Quick Summary

An overview of supplements that may help manage uric acid, including vitamin C, tart cherry extract, and folic acid. It details how they work, compares their effects, and emphasizes the need for professional medical advice before starting any new regimen.

Key Points

Consult a Doctor First: Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplement, as they can interact with medications or have risks, especially for those with conditions like kidney disease.
Consider Vitamin C: Studies show that vitamin C may lower uric acid levels by increasing its excretion through the kidneys; research has explored the effects of vitamin C supplementation.
Harness Tart Cherry's Power: The anthocyanins in tart cherries and their extracts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce the frequency of gout attacks.
Explore Folic Acid and Probiotics: Recent research indicates that folic acid and specific probiotic strains may help lower uric acid by inhibiting its production and promoting excretion via the gut.
Complement, Don't Replace: Supplements are intended to complement medical treatment and lifestyle changes, not replace prescribed uric acid-lowering medications for chronic or severe cases.
Address Inflammation with Omega-3s: While fish oil does not consistently lower uric acid, its potent anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the frequency of gout flares.

Understanding Uric Acid and Gout

Uric acid is a waste product that forms when the body breaks down purines, which are found in certain foods and also produced naturally by the body. Normally, the kidneys filter uric acid out of the blood and it is excreted in urine. However, if the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys cannot remove it efficiently, it can build up in the blood, a condition known as hyperuricemia. This can lead to gout, a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals forming in the joints, most commonly the big toe. While prescription medication is the primary treatment for managing gout and high uric acid, certain dietary supplements can play a supportive role, under a doctor's supervision.

Primary Supplements for Managing Uric Acid

Vitamin C

Extensive research points to vitamin C's potential role in lowering uric acid levels. It is thought to work by increasing the excretion of uric acid through the kidneys, a process known as a uricosuric effect.

A 2011 meta-analysis of 13 studies found that vitamin C supplementation significantly reduced blood uric acid levels compared to a placebo over a 30-day period.
Another long-term study observed that men who consumed more vitamin C had a lower risk of developing gout.
The Arthritis Foundation suggests that a vitamin C supplement may be beneficial, but it should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Tart Cherry Extract

Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds responsible for their deep red color. These compounds are believed to reduce both uric acid levels and inflammation.

Studies have shown that consuming cherries or concentrated tart cherry juice can lead to a decrease in serum uric acid.
One study of gout patients found that consuming at least 10 cherries per day reduced the risk of gout attacks by 35%.
The benefits appear to be enhanced when tart cherry is combined with conventional medication like allopurinol.

Folic Acid

Folic acid, a B vitamin, has shown promise in managing uric acid levels, particularly in studies involving patients with hypertension. It is thought to work by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, the same enzyme targeted by some gout medications, thereby reducing uric acid production.

Research suggests that folic acid can indirectly influence uric acid metabolism by reducing homocysteine levels, which are often elevated in people with high uric acid.
A recent meta-analysis found that folic acid significantly reduced uric acid levels compared to conventional therapy.

Probiotics

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating the body's uric acid levels, as approximately one-third of uric acid is excreted via the intestine. Probiotic supplements can help modulate this process.

Specific strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus paracasei, have shown the ability to reduce uric acid levels in animal studies by inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity and promoting uric acid excretion through the gut.
Probiotics can improve the gut barrier function and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which may help inhibit uric acid production.

Anti-Inflammatory Support Supplements

Managing inflammation is a key aspect of controlling gout, and some supplements are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

Omega-3 fatty acids, like EPA and DHA found in fish oil, are well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects.

Some studies suggest a correlation between higher omega-3 levels and fewer gout flares, though fish oil supplementation has not consistently shown a significant effect on serum uric acid levels in people with established gout.
It is crucial to use a highly distilled fish oil supplement to ensure it is low in purines, as some types of fish can be high in purines and could aggravate gout.

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples with anti-inflammatory properties. While limited research exists specifically on gout, it is sometimes used to manage inflammatory conditions.

Bromelain is believed to help reduce inflammation and swelling related to gout flare-ups.
More research is needed to determine the specific benefits of bromelain for gout, but it is an option some individuals explore with their doctor.

Comparing Supplements for Uric Acid Management


Supplement	Primary Mechanism	Primary Benefit	Evidence Strength	Caveats
Vitamin C	Increases renal uric acid excretion	Lowers serum uric acid, reduces gout risk	Moderate	Efficacy may depend on dosage
Tart Cherry	Anti-inflammatory via anthocyanins	Reduces frequency and severity of gout attacks	Strong (for flares)	Does not replace urate-lowering drugs
Folic Acid	Inhibits xanthine oxidase; lowers homocysteine	Significantly reduces uric acid levels	Moderate	Less potent than prescription inhibitors
Probiotics	Modulates gut microbiota for better excretion	Potential to lower uric acid and reduce recurrences	Emerging	More research is needed
Omega-3s	Reduces inflammation	May reduce frequency of flares	Moderate	Does not consistently lower uric acid levels
Bromelain	Anti-inflammatory properties	Eases joint swelling and pain during flares	Limited	More research is needed on gout specifics

Important Considerations Before Taking Supplements

Before adding any supplement to your regimen, it is essential to have a detailed discussion with a healthcare provider. Self-treating high uric acid with supplements alone can delay necessary medical intervention and potentially worsen the condition. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause of your hyperuricemia, assess any nutritional deficiencies, and guide you toward a safe and effective treatment plan.

It is also important to be aware of potential risks and interactions. Some supplements can interact with prescription medications or be harmful to certain individuals. For instance, some medications can increase uric acid, so your doctor should review your current prescriptions. Furthermore, supplements should not be considered a cure and are best used as complementary therapy alongside a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet and lifestyle modifications.

Beyond Supplements: Diet and Lifestyle

Managing uric acid levels effectively involves a holistic approach. While supplements can help, they are not a substitute for proven lifestyle changes.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess body fat is linked to higher uric acid levels, and weight loss can help manage the condition.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out uric acid more effectively and can reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Reduce High-Purine Foods: Limiting organ meats, red meat, and some types of seafood is often recommended.
Avoid Sugary Beverages and Alcohol: Fructose, commonly found in sugary drinks, and alcohol can both increase uric acid levels.
Add Fiber: Increasing dietary fiber intake can also help balance blood sugar and insulin levels, which impacts uric acid.

Conclusion

For those asking what supplement should I take for uric acid, the most promising and studied options include vitamin C and tart cherry extract. Emerging evidence also supports the role of folic acid and certain probiotics in managing levels. While supplements can be a helpful adjunct to a treatment plan, they should never replace conventional medication for severe or chronic hyperuricemia or gout. The most important step is consulting a healthcare professional to determine the right course of action based on your individual health needs and to ensure safe, effective management of your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not replace prescribed uric acid-lowering medication with supplements without first consulting your doctor. Supplements are not a cure and are best used as complementary therapy alongside a comprehensive treatment plan, as they are often less potent than pharmaceutical drugs.

While there is no universally standard dosage for this purpose, research has investigated the effects of vitamin C. It is important to discuss the appropriate amount for your specific needs with your healthcare provider.

Research has focused on both tart cherry juice and concentrated extracts. Studies suggest that concentrated forms, including juice or extract, may offer more potent benefits due to higher concentrations of anthocyanins and antioxidants, but more research is needed to determine the most effective form and amount.

Some vitamins, like niacin (vitamin B-3), can increase uric acid levels and should be avoided or used with caution in patients with hyperuricemia. Always review all supplements with your doctor before starting them.

Probiotics, particularly certain Lactobacillus strains, can help regulate uric acid by modifying the gut microbiota. They can inhibit enzymes involved in uric acid synthesis and promote its excretion through the intestine.

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties which may help reduce the frequency of gout flares. However, its effect on consistently lowering serum uric acid levels is not strongly supported by current evidence.

To ensure a supplement is safe and effective, always consult a healthcare professional. They can review your medical history, current medications, and individual health needs to provide personalized recommendations.