Question

Which of the following foods would you recommend in the diet of a patient suffering from gout?
(A) Milk and milk products
(B) Refined cereals
(C) Organ meat
(D) Green leafy vegetables
(E) Beans, peas
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• B. (B), (C) and (D) only.
• C. (C), (D) and (E) only.
• D. (A), (D) and (E) only.

Hint:

To solve this quickly, eliminate (C) because organ meats are extremely high in purines and are always restricted in gout diets.
This immediately rules out two options.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints.
Uric acid is the end-product of purine metabolism.
Therefore, dietary management of gout focuses on following a low-purine diet to prevent gout flare-ups.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each food item based on its purine content:
- (A) Milk and milk products: Low-fat dairy products are low in purines and have been shown to help lower blood uric acid levels. Thus, (A) is highly recommended.
- (B) Refined cereals: Refined grains (like white rice and white bread) are low-purine options that are safe for gout patients. Thus, (B) is recommended.
- (C) Organ meat: Organ meats (such as liver, kidney, and sweetbreads) are extremely high in purines and must be avoided. Thus, (C) is incorrect.
- (D) Green leafy vegetables: Most vegetables are low in purines and safe to consume. Thus, (D) is recommended.
- (E) Beans, peas: Legumes have a moderate-to-high purine content and should be limited. Thus, (E) is not recommended.
Therefore, (A), (B), and (D) are the recommended low-purine foods.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The recommended foods for a gout patient are milk products, refined cereals, and green leafy vegetables, corresponding to option (A).