Enriched skim milk powder to prevent gout flares
Laboratory studies have identified two dairy fractions, glycomacropeptide (GMP) and G600 milk fat extract (G600), with anti-inflammatory effects in models of acute gout.
Researchers at the University of Auckland, in New Zealand, tested the concept in humans.
First, the details.
- 120 patients with recurrent gout flares were randomly assigned to a treatment group for 3 months.
- Lactose powder control
- Skim milk powder (SMP) control
- SMP enriched with GMP and G600 (SMP/GMP/G600)
- Changes in the frequency of gout flares were recorded.
- GMP is a carbohydrate-rich casein peptide.
And, the results.
- The frequency of gout flares was reduced in all groups compared to before the study.
- There was a significantly greater reduction in gout flares in the SMP/GMP/G600 group vs lactose.
- Following treatment with SMP/GMP/G600 greater improvements were also observed in pain and fractional excretion of uric acid.
- There was no significant difference in improvement in tender joint count.
- Similar adverse event rates and discontinuation rates were observed between the three groups.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “In patients with gout… [the findings] suggest that SMP enriched with GMP and G600 may reduce the frequency of gout flares.
The response to treatment with SMP/GMP/G600 might in part be due to G600 inhibition of IL-8 inflammatory activity, which is also inhibited by colchicine — used to treat gout flares.
1/31/12 20:59 JR
