Spotlight on Supplements: Resveratrol

Resveratrol may fight inflammation. © sb-borg | Getty Images

Resveratrol is a polyphenol that is present in red grape skins. (For wine lovers, this means that resveratrol is present in red, but not white, wine.) Resveratrol supplements are increasing in popularity due to the proposed health benefits of this polyphenol. In the past 10 years, nearly 11,000 peer-reviewed scientific papers have been published on resveratrol, indicating interest in this bioactive compound. Though it is well-studied, there is still uncertainty surrounding its potential health benefits.

Special Functions. Many effects of resveratrol have been confirmed in a laboratory setting (in vitro), while the evidence from human clinical trials is less certain. Resveratrol is very rapidly degraded by the liver, which reduces the amount of time it can exert a physiological effect on the body. In spite of its quick degradation, two primary biological functions can be linked to broader health benefits: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Antioxidant function: Reserveratrol may play a role in helping to preserve neurological function and protect against certain types of cancer.
• Anti-inflammatory function: Resveratrol can interrupt several steps in inflammation pathways, contributing to its cardioprotective potential.

These functions also drive the possible improvement of wound healing, improvement of metabolic markers of type 2 diabetes, and delay of eye degeneration. Additional clinical studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

Recommended Intakes & Safety. There is no recommended intake for resveratrol. Relatively high intakes of up to five grams per day have resulted in mild side effects such as gastrointestinal distress. However, an upper intake level has not been established.

The pathways used to break down resveratrol in the liver are the same pathways for certain drug metabolism, such as statins and blood thinners. As a result, there is a possibility of resveratrol accentuating the drug’s effect in the body. Consumption of resveratrol supplements and routine intake of medication should be reviewed with a healthcare professional.

Also of note, resveratrol supplements have not been evaluated for safety during pregnancy and lactation. Thus, resveratrol supplements are not recommended for women who are pregnant or lactating.

Sources of Resveratrol. In addition to red wine and red grapes, resveratrol is in peanuts, blueberries, and cranberries. Many supplements include resveratrol derived from other sources, such as Japanese knotweed, also known as hu zhang. A typical glass of red wine contains three milligrams per five fluid ounces, while supplements may contain one to 500 milligrams per tablet or capsule.

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