"I've never read anyplace else that lead causes gout."""Lead causes destruction of kidney tissue that will lead to retention of uric acid, gout."
I always thought the lask of iodine caused gout. Hmmmm
I bet your thinking goiter.
Gout is a disease where uric acid builds up in the joints and causes swelling and pain. Usually attributed to a diet rich in red meat, dairy, and internal organs.
It may not have been seen in Romans because their diet was much more based on grain, fowl and fish. Even if they had kidney damage with a diet low in uric acid they may not have developed gout.
From what I've read, large amounts of lead have been found in the remains of Romans dependent on a lead plumbing system.