60-year-old man’s coffee habit raises uric acid levels

A 60‑year‑old retired man named Trương, living in China, began drinking two cups of sweetened instant coffee each day after his doctor warned that his uric‑acid level of 462 μmol/L was approaching gout territory. He maintained the habit for six months while caring for his grandson and handling daily chores.

When he returned for a follow‑up check, his uric‑acid level had risen to 528 μmol/L. He also reported a rapid heartbeat, difficulty sleeping and increased fatigue. His physician concluded that the coffee he chose—an instant blend with added sugar and non‑dairy creamer—was not appropriate for lowering uric acid, explaining that the problem lay with the type of coffee rather than coffee itself.