Analysis of dietary vitamin C intake levels and the risk of hyperuricemia and gout based on cross‐sectional studies and bi‐directional Mendelian randomization

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the link between dietary vitamin C intake and hyperuricemia/gout, utilizing Mendelian randomization to assess causality.MethodsWe analyzed cross‐sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2018) to investigate the association. Mendelian randomization studies, using genetic data from genome‐wide association surveys, were conducted to infer causality between vitamin C intake and hyperuricemia/gout. The weighted logistic regression analysis and the instrumental variable based on the inverse‐variance weighting served as the primary analytical tool, with sensitivity analyses to ensure robustness.ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, a stable association was observed between vitamin C intake and hyperuricemia/gout risk. Those consuming >111.75 mg of vitamin C generally had a lower risk. Vitamin C intake recommendations of 75–525 mg and 75–225 mg appeared effective for hyperuricemia and gout, respectively. Mendelian randomization analysis revealed a negative association between vitamin C intake and hyperuricemia (OR = 0.985, 95% CI = 0.973–0.997, p = .015) and gout (OR = 0.857, 95% CI = 0.797–0.921, p < .001). Reverse Mendelian randomization indicated no reverse causality.ConclusionWe hypothesize that a dietary vitamin C intake of 75–525 mg or 75–225 mg may reduce the risk of hyperuricemia and gout, respectively. Further research with larger samples is required to confirm this.