If one searches the Internet for anti-aging interventions, a vast array of techniques are offered, from starvation regimes to dietary supplements and growth hormones. All are for sale, but none so far have been proven as the magic bullet, despite exorbitant claims on many of the websites. Resveratrol is one supplement youll likely come across, a component of red wine that gained notoriety as a possible explanation for the so-called French Paradox, which turned out to be not so paradoxical after all (seeWhat Explains the French Paradox?).
As I discuss in my video Resveratrol Impairs Exercise Benefits, it turns out that [c]ountries with high wine consumption are those in which saturated fat consumption used to be low but increased in recent years. So, the low mortality from ischemic heart disease may just reflect the earlier, lower levels of saturated fat consumption, and the wine may just be a confounding factor. It did, however, help spark interest in resveratrol, the purported active ingredient of red wine about which scientific papers are now published every day.
More than a hundred of those papers on resveratrol have been called into question, though, as one of the leading researchers in the field was found guilty of taking millions in taxpayer money only to fabricate and falsify his data.
Hundreds of studies still remain, though. Does this mean pills can now replace a healthy diet? Even a group of resveratrol scientists dont think resveratrol is worth supplementing: In contrast to the lacking data on resveratrol in humans, the animal data are promising and indicate the need for further human clinical trials. In rodents, resveratrol supplementation decreased cardiovascular risk factors, improved cardiovascular function and physical capacity, and decreased inflammation, leading to improved vascular function. But, when it was put to the test in people, almost the exact opposite was found.
Specifically, combining resveratrol with athletic training abolished the reduction in blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides normally associated with training; had a more arterial-constricting effect than a dilating effect; and led to a significantly lower increase in the training-induced increase in maximal oxygen uptake.
Rodents on resveratrol get enhanced exercise performance, but, in people, the resveratrol induced a 45 percent lower increase in maximum aerobic capacity compared with those taking a sugar pill. The human subjects were working out like crazy, and the resveratrol undercut their efforts.
This raises a larger issue. Mouse models are a cornerstone of modern biomedical research, and yet systematic studies as to their usefulness are rarely done. Consider this: nearly 150 human clinical trials testing anti-inflammatory drugs have failedwithout exceptionafter those same drugs had shown promise in trials on mice. In analyzing the carry-over from the mouse trials to the human trials, researchers determined that [t]he result was surprising, almost shocking: the correlation was not only poor, it was virtually absent for the main study areas: burns, trauma, endotoxemia. It turns out, for example, that mice may be up to a million times less sensitive to inflammatory endotoxins than humans.
The takeaway is that the negative effects they found add to the growing body of evidence questioning the positive effects of resveratrol supplementation in humans. Maybe the problem, though, was resveratrol supplementationthat is, giving people capsules containing 50 times the resveratrol they would normally get from eating grapes, berries, peanuts, or chocolate. Was it just too much of a good thing? To see if the amount one gets from drinking red wine would be beneficial, we can look to the Chianti region of Tuscany to determine whether resveratrol levels achieved with diet help protect against inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and death. The answer? None of the above. Despite the fact that U.S. annual sales of resveratrol supplements have reached $30 million, there are limited and conflicting human clinical data demonstrating any human benefits, and there are no data concerning its long-term safety.
The exercise study was supported in part by a manufacturer of resveratrol supplements. To their credit, however, the researchers responded to an angry letter by a supplement company consultant that it is our opinion that we, as scientists, have a responsibility to report what we find, and not to twist our findings to fit the commercial interests.
The benefits of red wine over white do not appear to be due to the resveratrol, but to the estrogen synthase blockers. See Breast Cancer Risk: Red Wine vs. White Wine.
What about the role of red wine in the Mediterranean diet? I have a whole series of videos, including:
I just published a whole new series on alcohol. Check it out:
Sadly, the epic failure of resveratrol supplements is par for the course when it comes to trying to get your nutrition in pill form. See, for example:
In health,Michael Greger, M.D.
PS: If you havent yet, you can subscribe to my free videoshereand watch my live, year-in-review presentations:
Here is the original post:
Resveratrol Supplements Are Finally Put to the Test ...
- 6 Reasons to Supplement With Resveratrol | Men's Fitness [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2017]
- resveratrol | eBay [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2017]
- Natural Biology - 100% Pure and Natural Vitamins [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2017]
- SuperPure Resveratrol Extract - The Synergy Company [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2017]
- Resveratrol: Benefits and Uses - Verywell [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2017]
- Resveratrol | Which Works Best | Facts About Side Effects [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2017]
- Resveratrol - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2017]
- Sirtuin - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2017]
- Resveratrolthe hype continues - Harvard Health Blog ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2017]
- Resveratrol: Red Wine Antioxidant for Health - WebMD [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2017]
- Resveratrol Lift Eye Lifting Balm - Caudalie | Sephora [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2017]
- Resveratrol Lift Firming Serum - Caudalie | Sephora [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2017]
- New Study Touts Big Health Benefits of Resveratrol [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2017]
- Resveratrol | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2017]
- Resveratrol supplement, dosage and health benefits [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2017]
- Purple Defense, Water-Soluble Source of Resveratrol [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 25th, 2017]
- This Ingredient Will Give You Smoother, Brighter Skin [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2018]
- Diabetes (4 Types) and Thyroid Health [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2018]
- Resveratrol: Benefits and Uses [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2018]
- Resveratrol: Benefits and Uses - verywellfit.com [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2018]
- Top 16 Scientific Health Benefits of Resveratrol (With ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2018]
- Resveratrol Extract Powder - Z Natural Foods [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2018]
- Resveratrol: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2018]
- Pterostilbene vs Resveratrol [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- What Is Resveratrol? | Herbal Library [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- Do Flavonoids in Red Wine Help You Live Longer? [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- Can Resveratrol Fight Aging? | Berkeley Wellness [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- Top 10 Resveratrol Health Benefits - Health Articles 101 [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- Resveratrol Supplements | Resveratrol Supplement | Buy ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- Resveratrol and Fertility | Egg quality, PCOS and ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- Resveratrol - Phytochemical [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2018]
- Resveratrol Lift Face Lifting Soft Cream - Caudalie | Sephora [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2018]
- Resveratrol - Herbs Database | RawlsMD [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2018]
- Amazon.com: Reserveage - Resveratrol 500mg, Antioxidant ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2018]
- Resveratrol Effectiveness, How It Works, and Drug ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2018]
- Resveratrol: Dietary Supplements, Nutrition | eBay [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 27th, 2018]
- Resveratrol 99% (HPLC) | Sigma-Aldrich [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2018]
- Resveratrol | A Beginners Guide (UPDATE: 2018) | 10 Things ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2018]
- Resveratrol Effectiveness, Safety, and Drug Interactions on ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2018]
- Resveratrol - Alzheimer's News Today [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2018]
- Resveratrol does provide anti-aging benefits, study shows ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2018]
- Resveratrol: The Healing Molecule In Red Wine - Red Supplements [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2018]
- 7 Health Benefits of Resveratrol Supplements [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2018]
- Resveratrol - Evolutionary.org [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 3rd, 2018]
- Health effects of wine - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2018]
- foodsthatfightcancer_grapes_and_grape_juice | American ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Benefits, Resveratrol Sources & More - Dr. Axe [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 5th, 2019]
- Red wine and resveratrol: Good for your heart? - Mayo Clinic [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2019]
- Resveratrol Benefits, Side Effects and Sources - Dr. Axe [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2019]
- Best Resveratrol Supplement Benefits vs Side Effects Review [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Supplements | Resveratrol Benefits | Piping ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2019]
- Resveratrol - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Foods: The 17 Highest Sources To Supplement With [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Side Effects and Health Hazards [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2019]
- How to Choose the Best Resveratrol Supplements (2019 Update) [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2019]
- Ranking the best resveratrol supplements of 2019 [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2019]
- 10 Resveratrol Benefits for Heart, Mind, & the Fountain of Youth [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2019]
- 21 Resveratrol Benefits + Dosage, Side Effects - SelfHacked [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Alcoholic People are Shifting to Drinking Red Wine Daily to Improve their Health - One World Herald [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2019]
- Nature's Viagra: 7 Foods and Supplements to Boost Your Libido - Healthline [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2019]
- How One Company Is Working To Improve The Quality & Duration Of Sleep For Americans - GirlTalkHQ [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2019]
- Use of natural extracts as feed additives - All about feed [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2019]
- Is The World Ready For A Super-Wine? Raise A Glass To Israeli Vino Innovation | Health News - NoCamels - Israeli Innovation News [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2019]
- One type of food could help reverse aging, thanks to resveratrol - Inverse [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2019]
- How and why to boost your intake of antioxidants - Seattle Times [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2019]
- 6 Winter Fruits That You May Include In Your Diabetes Diet - NDTV Food [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2019]
- Bordeaux wine launched to the International Space Station for science - ZME Science [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Market Report to Share Key Aspects of the Industry with the details of Influence Factors - Health News Office [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Market is Projected to Register at a Healthy CAGR of 8.1% During the Forecast Period 2018 2028 - Global Banking And Finance Review [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2019]
- Paranormal wine: Space and wine x2 - Aspen Daily News [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2019]
- Rimrock Gold Corp. Announces the Launch of Acqua CBD Coffee Infused with Resveratrol - GlobeNewswire [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2019]
- Heres how you can shield yourself from air pollution with these natural remedies - Hindustan Times [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Market Strategies and Insight Driven Transformation 2019-2027 - The Denton Chronicle [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2019]
- Growth Opportunities in the Resveratrol Supplements Market Strategic Analysis and Forecast to 2028 - TheFinanceTime [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2019]
- From Avocation To Vocation: How I Turned My Hobby Into A Career With Dr. Glen Miller of Vera Roasting Company - Thrive Global [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2019]
- Trans Resveratrol Market Growing Popularity and Emerging Trends 2019 to 2025 Business and Transportation - .Automotiveindustrytrend [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2019]
- 5 Effective Ways To Fight Inflammation - Medical Daily [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2019]
- What the industry needs to know about polypharmacology - NutraIngredients-usa.com [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2019]
- Cardioprotective properties found in pterostilbene: Study - NutraIngredients-usa.com [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2019]
- Resveratrol Supplements Expected to Witness a Fast-paced Growth Over the Forecast Period 2019 2028 - Tech Admirers [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2019]