Q
Does tart cherry juice really help gout?
⚡ Quick answer
Yes — strong evidence. 30ml daily reduces gout attack frequency by 35%.
Tart cherry juice has solid evidence for gout management. A Boston University study found cherry consumption reduced gout attack risk by 35% over 48 hours after consumption.
The mechanism: anthocyanins (the dark red pigments) inhibit inflammation and may directly reduce uric acid. Tart cherries also contain xanthine oxidase inhibitors — similar mechanism to allopurinol.
Dosing:
- 30ml tart cherry juice concentrate daily
- OR 1 cup fresh tart cherries daily
- OR 480mg cherry extract daily
Which cherries: tart (Montmorency) cherries — not sweet (Bing) cherries. The compounds are concentrated in the tart variety.
Note: cherry juice is sugary — choose unsweetened concentrate, not juice drinks. Pour 30ml into a glass of water.
Limitations: cherries help prevent attacks but won't stop one in progress. Combine with hydration, low-purine diet, and (if prescribed) allopurinol for best results.
Read our full evidence-based guide on uric acid & gout for the complete picture.
View Full Guide →We write from peer-reviewed research and clinical guidance. These links let you read the underlying evidence yourself rather than taking our word for it.