Based on PubMed | Is it true that eating cherries can reduce the risk of gout attacks?

Yes eating cherries appears to be associated with a lower risk of gout attacks, although they should be seen as a helpful add‑on rather than a replacement for prescribed gout medications. ^{[1] [2]}

What the evidence shows

• Observational research following over 600 people with gout found that eating cherries over a 2‑day period was linked with about a 35% lower risk of a gout attack compared with no cherries. ^[3] In the same study, cherry extract showed a similar benefit, and the combination of cherries plus allopurinol (a urate‑lowering medicine) was linked to a roughly 75% lower risk of attacks compared with taking neither. ^[3]
• Major clinical resources for gout acknowledge this signal, noting that some studies suggest cherry intake may lower the likelihood of gout flares. ^{[1] [2]}

How cherries might help

• Cherries, especially tart cherries, are rich in anthocyanins (plant pigments) with antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects, which may help blunt flare‑triggering inflammation. While mechanisms are still being clarified, this anti‑inflammatory profile likely contributes to the observed reduction in attacks. (Mechanistic details are supportive but the primary clinical signal comes from human intake studies). ^[3]
• Cherries may also have a modest effect on uric acid handling for some people, but the evidence for a large or sustained urate‑lowering effect is limited; therefore, they should not be relied upon to replace urate‑lowering therapy when it is indicated. ^{[1] [2]}

Practical recommendations

• Consider adding cherries (fresh, frozen, or unsweetened) as part of a balanced, gout‑friendly eating pattern that emphasizes low‑fat dairy, whole grains, vegetables, and water while limiting alcohol (especially beer and spirits), organ meats, and sugar‑sweetened drinks. ^[1]
• A reasonable, commonly used pattern is a serving of cherries as a snack (e.g., a handful of fresh or frozen cherries without added sugar), keeping in mind overall calorie and sugar goals. ^[4]
• Cherry extract may be an alternative for those without access to fresh or frozen cherries, although product quality varies; discuss supplement choices with your clinician, especially if you take blood thinners or have chronic conditions. ^[3]

Important caveats

• Cherries are not a cure for gout; most people still need medicines to manage pain during flares and to prevent joint damage by lowering uric acid long‑term. ^[5]
• The most supportive human data are observational, not large randomized trials, so while the association is encouraging, it does not prove causation; think of cherries as an adjunct to standard care. ^[3]
• If you use allopurinol or another urate‑lowering therapy, continuing that medication as prescribed remains the foundation of preventing flares, with cherries as a potential supportive measure. ^[3]

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At‑a‑glance: cherries and gout

Topic	What the evidence suggests	What this means for you
Risk of flares	~35% lower odds of attacks during short periods when cherries were eaten vs. not eaten in people with gout. [3]	Adding cherries may help reduce flare risk, especially when used consistently.
Cherry extract	Similar inverse association to whole cherries. [3]	An option if fresh/frozen cherries aren’t available; discuss quality and dosing with a clinician.
With allopurinol	Combination associated with ~75% lower odds of attacks vs. neither exposure. [3]	Best results are seen when cherries are used alongside prescribed urate‑lowering therapy.
Guideline‑level resources	Acknowledge studies suggesting benefit. [1] [2]	Safe to consider as part of a gout‑friendly diet, not as a medication substitute.
Diet role overall	Diet can help lower the chance of new flares but usually doesn’t replace medication. [5]	Continue medications as directed; use diet, including cherries, as supportive care.

Bottom line

Incorporating cherries into your diet may lower the risk of gout flares, with the strongest benefits seen when combined with proven medications like allopurinol; use them as a safe, supportive strategy within an overall gout‑friendly lifestyle. ^{[3] [1] [2] [5]}