“Safe” Blood Lead Levels Are Associated with Gout

Elevated blood lead levels are associated with gout, but we know less about risk for gout among people with “normal” blood lead levels. Using data from more than 6000 participants the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2005–2008), researchers determined whether blood lead levels that the CDC considers to be safe for adults (<1.21 µmol/L [25 µg/dL]) were associated with gout. The analysis excluded people younger than 40 and those with glomerular filtration rates (GFR) <10 mL/minute/1.73 m². Diagnoses of gout were self-reported.

After controlling for multiple factors, including age, renal function, and use of diuretics, prevalence of gout was 1.76% among individuals in the lowest quartile of blood lead level (mean, 0.04 …