Is Whey Protein bad for gout?
Whey protein is not directly linked to gout, but high intake of protein can cause gout to flare up. Gout is caused by a problem with the build up of uric acid in the blood which can form crystals in and around joints. This occurs because your kidneys cannot filter the uric acid from your blood as well as they should. Uric acid normally increases due to purine rich foods such as fish, meat and alcohol.
However, when you consume large amounts of protein your kidneys work harder to filter out the waste created as a result of protein synthesis. As your kidneys are already compromised, placing them under pressure also can raise your uric acid levels, which can in turn lead to an attack of gout.
If you suffer from gout you should consult your doctor if you wish to supplement your diet with whey protein.