How does alcohol consumption affect gout?

Increases it.: It increases the formation of uric acid crystals and increases the problems with gout.

Makes it worse: Alcohol increases the level of uric acid, which is the chemical responsible for gout in predisposed individuals. In some people, gout only occurs when they are drinking. The byproducts of alcohol are excreted preferentially to the byproducts of uric acid, raising their levels, in some people raising them markedly. People with gout should not use alcohol, or drink very sparingly.