Important Minerals for Gout

Gout being a disease that targets the bones and joints can obviously benefit from mineral nutrients that strengthen these areas of the body. Calcium is one such mineral for gout that is very important in the healthy formation of bones, muscles, teeth, blood and nerves.

Other gout-friendly minerals include magnesium, zinc, chromium and selenium. A deficiency in magnesium, a trace mineral, is link to many chronic conditions that include diabetes and allergies.  Zinc deficiency is linked to connective tissue disorders and it is important to the immune system, synthesis of DNA and healing.

Chromium is important in the reduction of body fat and glucose level regulation in the blood. These are two major factors relating to gout triggers of obesity and diabetes. Selenium helps protect the cells from damage coming from free radicals and hence protects the body from chronic diseases of which gout is one.

Gout patients are advised to eat foods rich in these mineral or in dietary supplements containing them. Dietary or food supplements containing minerals are usually formulated with the combination of the different elements as compounds or in combination with vitamins. For example calcium may exist in food supplements as a carbonate or a citrate, magnesium as an oxide and chromium as a picolinate.

Here are some well-rated mineral nutrient supplements that are either formulated individually or in combination with other minerals for gout:

•  Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems – Food-Based Calcium, 180 tablets
•  Calcium Citrate 1000mg – 180 – Tablet
•  Nature Made Calcium with Vitamin D, 600 mg, Liquid Softgels, 100 ct.
•  Nature Made Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc with Vitamin D, With D-3 100 Tablets (Pack of 3)
•  Spring Valley Zinc
•  Now Foods Zinc Gluconate 50mg Tablets, 250-Count
•  Source Naturals Ultra Chromium Picolinate 500, 60 Tablets
•  NOW Foods Chromium Picolinate 200mcg, 250 Capsules
•  NOW Foods Selenium 200 mcg VCaps, 180 ct
•  Nature Made Selenium 200 mcg – 100 Tablets
•  Solgar, Magnesium Citrate, 120 Tablets
•  TWINLAB, Magnesium 400mg – 200 caps

Dieticians claim that the daily recommended mineral nutrients may be obtained from taking foods rich in them. This can be quite limiting for gout patients who are often prone to attacks with diet triggers. A lot of mineral rich foods such as sea foods are also high in the dreaded purines.

Minerals for Gout – Precautions

There are also precautionary measures needed in taking minerals as they can be toxic. Calcium for example, when in excessive quantities in the body, can deposit in soft tissues including in the kidneys and the heart. In fact another arthritis-like condition called pseudogout results from excess calcium in the blood. Magnesium and zinc may also have adverse side-effects such as nausea and vomiting when taken excessively.

Mineral nutrients are often required in trace quantities only so following the above warnings on mineral toxicity is very important particularly to those considering them as supplements for any diseases or conditions. As always, ask your doctor first.