X-ray of feet affected by gout Yok_onepiece/Shutterstock
Almost 400 genetic variants have been linked to gout in the largest study of its kind.
Gout is a type of arthritis that leads to painful flare-ups around joints. The condition is caused by a build-up of uric acid, or urate, from the breakdown of molecules called purines. This causes urate crystals to form in joints, leading to a painful inflammatory response.
Purines are made in the body and found in certain foods and drinks, such as bacon and beer. Drinking alcohol in moderation …
