# Sugar-sweetened beverages and the risk of hyperuricemia and gout: a meta-analysis

## TL;DR

Drinking sugary beverages increases the risk of high uric acid and gout, especially in men.

## Contribution

This study provides a comprehensive meta-analysis on the link between sugar-sweetened beverages and gout/hyperuricemia.

## Key findings

- SSB intake significantly increases the risk of hyperuricemia and gout.
- Fructose consumption is strongly linked to higher gout risk.
- Males show higher risk increases from SSB and fruit juice than females.

## Abstract

This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), fructose, and the risk of gout and hyperuricemia.

Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for observational studies from inception to March 2025. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random/fixed-effects models. Subgroup analyses explored sex. Heterogeneity (I2) and publication bias were assessed.

A total of 22 studies (235,790 participants) were included. SSB intake significantly increased the risk of hyperuricemia (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.23–1.44) and gout (OR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.11–1.32). Fruit juice (FJ) showed a modest association with hyperuricemia (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02–1.29) and an increased risk of gout (OR = 1.28; 95% CI 0.96–1.72). Fructose consumption was strongly associated with increased gout risk (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.27–2.18), but its relationship with hyperuricemia was inconsistent (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.85–1.46). DSD showed a modest association with gout (OR = 1.14; 95% CI 0.95–1.35). Subgroup analysis revealed SSB and FJ consumption associated with elevated risks of hyperuricemia in males (SSBs: 1.37; FJ: 1.15) compared to females (SSBs: 1.29; FJ: 1.13).

SSB consumption is associated with increased risks of hyperuricemia and gout, particularly in males.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=1040227, PROSPERO (Unique Identifier: CRD420251040227).