Resveratrol: Facts and Myths
by Melinda Burris
As has been noted in previous articles featured in Hurdles First, it seems that every month or so the next “cure-all” nutritional supplement is discovered and marketed heavily to the masses. Currently, both the scientific community and the nutritional supplement industry have piqued public interest in the potential benefits of resveratrol.
This article explains what resveratrol is and discusses scientific studies that suggest ways resveratrol could be beneficial to humans. Natural food sources you can introduce into your diet to increase your intake of resveratrol are revealed as well as warnings about complications that could arise when using resveratrol. Finally, concerns about the proper dosage of resveratrol for human consumption and the poor absorption rate of resveratrol supplements if examined.
What is Resveratrol and Does Red Wine Do a Heart Good?
Resveratrol is a polyphenol—a micronutrient with antioxidant properties found in some plant-based foods. Resveratrol received widespread media attention when scientific studies came to light revealing red wine to be especially rich in this micronutrient. Research suggests resveratrol may help prevent or lower the chances of developing heart disease. Researchers believe resveratrol may help prevent blood clots by decreasing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), frequently referred to as “bad cholesterol” because elevated levels of this type of cholesterol substantially increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. 1
It is important to note the suggests and may caveats researchers attach to their findings on resveratrol. This is because study conclusions have been inconsistent and even contradictory, with some research reporting that no link between resveratrol and heart disease prevention can be established. Due to this conflict, it is important that additional research is conducted to determine whether resveratrol is an effective preventative or not.1 Predictably, the nutritional supplement industry has not allowed this lack of conclusive evidence to stop it from advertising resveratrol as a new discovery that can improve the health of patients with numerous health conditions, including life-threatening diseases.1The claim is even being made by internet sellers that resveratrol could extend your life span.
The following is a partial list of purported benefits that are being attributed to resveratrol and a discussion of the evidence or lack thereof for these claims:
- Resveratrol is an anti-aging agent that can prolong your life.
Much of the research into resveratrol has been centered on the contention that it may be capable of combating deterioration of health due to age and even feasibly aid in increasing longevity. Registered dietician Kerri-Ann Jennings explains, “There’s evidence that resveratrol activates certain genes that ward off the diseases of aging.”2 Jennings further explains that the mechanism of action for this effect is similar to how calorie restriction “has shown promise in lengthening lifespans by changing how genes express themselves.”2 This is another example of a scientific hypothesis that could be proven to have merit in the future, but as of now, further research needs to be done to establish this as fact.
Numerous research studies on the same topic of investigation are common and are conducted by renowned experts worldwide. All recognized scientific studies must follow the same accepted best standard practices for the work to be considered valid by the scientific community. Yet, studies using the same approved research methods commonly produce contradictory findings. This is a primary reason research into new medications and other hoped for medical breakthroughs typically takes years of extensive investigation before they are accepted as evidentiary fact.
In the case of claims that resveratrol has anti-aging properties and can enable people to live longer lives, marketers fail to emphasize that the data indicating these possibilities is not based on human studies. Investigations into what effect if any resveratrol has on life span have all been conducted on organisms. Jennings accurately points out that a systematic review of these studies has demonstrated encouraging results, namely that “resveratrol increased lifespan in 60% of the organisms studied”—the question of whether these benefits can extend to humans is still very much in doubt since “the effect was strongest in organisms that were less related to humans, such as worms and fish.”2
2. Resveratrol and Cognitive Decline
A range of studies has indicated that drinking red wine can slow cognitive decline due to aging. Again, red wine is singled out for prominent inclusion in studies into the possible benefits of resveratrol because it is such a rich source of the micronutrient. Research suggests that as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, resveratrol may have the potential to prevent Alzheimer’s as some studies have shown that it blocks the formation of the amyloid protein plaques that cause the deterioration of the brain.2
- Resveratrol and Diabetes
Animal studies have also supported the theory that resveratrol could be beneficial for people with diabetes. When an individual has diabetes, an enzyme causes the glucose naturally produced by the body to be converted into sorbitol, a carbohydrate and sugar alcohol that diabetics are unable to process. The resulting accumulation results in oxidative stress that causes cell damage.2 Here again, it is the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties present in resveratrol that are believed to be responsible for the alleviation of symptoms in animals with this disease.
4. Resveratrol and Certain Types of Cancer
There is much interest in the possible use of resveratrol in treating various cancers. Emphasis has been placed on investigations into the potential use of resveratrol as a preventative and treatment for breast, prostate, colon, and other common types of cancer. Studies have been conducted on animals and in test-tubes and some have rendered promising results. However, other studies have rendered not supported these findings.2
An objective analysis must conclude that while documentation has been noted that supports the possibility that resveratrol could eventually prove to be a valuable method of treatment and even prevention for the serious conditions listed above, no sound conclusion can be reached until more research is done.
Other Nutritional Sources for Resveratrol
It has been established that resveratrol is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and therefore beneficial. If you want to try resveratrol, you can find it in many foods, particularly berries, as it is found in blueberries and cranberries. Peanuts also contain resveratrol.2 As has been noted, red wine is often listed as a primary source of resveratrol, but you should bear in mind that the amount of resveratrol varies based on the type of red wine and how it was processed. The levels of resveratrol found in the foods listed above are also prone to fluctuate.1
Questions Remain About Resveratrol Dosage and the Efficacy of Supplement Use
While there is no evidence that resveratrol supplements are harmful to healthy individuals, there are reasons for concern when these supplements are taken by patients on certain medications. A major problem is that research to date has not been able to pinpoint a recommended daily amount of resveratrol supplements.1,2
In addition, test-tube studies have shown that resveratrol interferes with blood clotting. This has raised concerns that patients on anticoagulant medications including heparin, warfarin, and other blood-thinning drugs could cause serious complications. If you are on any type of medication, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss any possible risks before adding resveratrol to your diet.2
Another issue with resveratrol supplements is research has shown the body can’t properly absorb the micronutrient in supplement form.1,2 Most resveratrol in supplement form is excreted in the urine, leaving only a negligible amount in the body. This means resveratrol supplements are an inefficient delivery system. If you want to start taking resveratrol and see if it benefits you, your best bet is to add the food sources listed above into your daily diet.
References
- Mayo Clinic. (1998-2020). Red Wine and Resveratrol: Good for Your Heart?
Jennings, K. (3 March 2017). 7 Health Benefits of Resveratrol.
