Is resveratrol harmful?

If you’re a health enthusiast, chances are you’ve heard about resveratrol. This golden-colored compound is found in red wine, grapes, and even chocolate. But before you start downing bottle after bottle of Merlot or eating kilos of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk to get your daily dose of resveratrol, let’s take a closer look at this compound.

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol (1) is a natural polyphenol that acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It’s present in several plants including grape skins and seeds, peanuts and berries such as blueberries or cranberries.

  • Did You Know?
    One interesting fact about resveratrol is that it increases the lifespan of yeast cells by activating specific genes called sirtuins (2). Scientists have hypothesized that this might translate to human life extension but more studies need first be conducted.
    

The supposed health benefits attributed to resveratrol have driven scientists around the world to explore its potential applications for various conditions ranging from cancer prevention (3)to brain protection(4), reducing inflammation(8), protecting against cardiovascular disease(13,15)and possibly even reversing some signs of aging(9,11).

Where Can You Find Resveratrol?

Traditionally known sources are mostly fermented products like Red Wine (this could explain so much) – specifically those derived from dark-coloured grapes – Peanuts & Peanut Butter; Dark chocolate also contains small content but alas nowhere near enough to justify daily intake as sole-source.(we kindof wish though!)

While there other companies out there claiming they extract large amounts from muscadine grape seeds , red grapes etc… it should however be noted these commercial preparations contain differing quantities which means users may not benefit universally((seems sneaky!).

Is Resveratrol Harmful?

Now, it’s time to tackle the big question. Is resveratrol harmful? The answer is not as simple and clear cut as you might think.

Safe Doses

Studies indicate that doses of up to 1500mg per day are well tolerated(6). No acute significant side effects have even been reported in trials using dosages upto 5grams – impressive but why take such relatively larger amounts ? Could it be we all like to exaggerate about our health choices?(perhaps )

Liver Problems

One possible issue with high dose intake could be liver problems particularly in those patients who already suffer from liver issues or taking medications that may affect how drugs break down there (cytochrome P450 inhibitors). It would still take very large doses for toxicity however (7, 14) so dont fret just yet folks.

Other potential concerns include increased bleeding risk if combined use with blood-thinning medications(12), which makes sense since resveratrol has a mild effect on platelet aggregation.

### Interaction With Drugs

It should also be noted that there is reportedly some evidence supporting the possibility of interaction between medicines and Resveratrol.In particular here are a few worth pondering :

1) Aspirin – current pre-clinical data suggestcould aspirin / NSAIDs possibly interfere with beneficial physiological systems activated by this compound.(8).

2) Beta Blockers/Calcium channel blockers: Each could lower effectiveness (10).

3) Statins : these might actuallly increase bioavailability while improving benefits (11)

This implies a need for close monitoring particularly during medication prescribed concurrently (who knew?).

Benefits of Resveratrol Supplementation:

So now let’s really examine the touted benefits behind resveartol supplementation.Yes , they do exist!

Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the biggest killers in the world and therefore anything (particularly from natural sources) that can be taken to prevent this or at least make it better deserves serious consideration. Resveratrol has been found to have positive benefits of vascular health,for example reducing oxidative stress, decreasing inflammation levels whilst increasing beneficial endothelial enzymes (nitric oxide synthase) (15). It is thus a potential treatment for hypertension.

Resveratrol could also limit blood loss when heavy bleeding occurs e.g significant menstrual periods (12)

Neuroprotection

Within animal studies, resvartol supplementation’s shown ability to offer neuroprotection by inducing autophagy(maintenance of correctly functioning cells), moderating damage caused by beta amyloid accumulation(relieved alzheimers symptoms– resultant improved biopsychosocial domain wellbeing)(19)

Similar studies done over tympanic noise-induced hearing loss even showed promising results in human subjects.(17).

Weight Management Benefits

If you are struggling with weight issues mayhaps there is hope yet. In rodents/animal models research indicated resveratrol supplementation decreased visceral fat appropriately within those fed high-cal diets(9) . Human trials remain largely controversial however findings were noted:

  • Reduced glucose levels in type 2 diabetes affected people who supplementated(responsible sugar intake reduction).(resparkling hopes indeed!)

    • Possible induces lifting of mood among antidepressant users(18).

One should note here while studies cannot definitively say what part played by hereditary influencesa caloric restrictive diet amidst lifestyle changes(i.e exercise ) remain important aspects applied.

Conclusion

With all things considered, there’s enough tangible evidence out there suggesting that within moderation(regarding appropriate dosage allocation amongst administering individual patients including medication review) taking regular doses (once again respecting individual tolerance levels alongwith investigation into genetic predisposition where applicable) might lead to long term healthful gains.This doesn’t mean i’d straight away pour myself a shot of Resveratrol like it’s water but I would definitely consider adding some element into my diet if for no other reason than satisfying personal curiosities. who wouldn’t ?

Hope our brief has informed you greatly(why wouldn’t it have) of something new today.It is always refreshing to keep ears open and stay current on latest as the knowledge centres grow ever larger daily.To your health everyone! 🥂🤩

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