Vodka And Diet Cola

Context

Vodka is a distilled spirit made from fermented grains or potatoes, with no added sugar or purines. However, alcohol itself is a major gout trigger. Ethanol increases uric acid production and reduces its excretion by the kidneys, leading to a rapid rise in serum uric acid and a significantly higher risk of gout attacks [citation needed; use general knowledge]. Diet cola contains artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame or sucralose) but no sugar or fructose, so it does not directly raise uric acid. However, mixing vodka with diet cola does not offset the harmful effect of alcohol; it simply avoids the added sugar found in regular cola. For people with gout, any alcoholic beverage, including vodka, is best avoided or strictly limited. Even moderate drinking can precipitate flares, especially in those with poorly controlled uric acid levels.