What is resveratrol, really? Resveratrol is a phytoalexin, a class of antibiotic compounds produced as a part of a plant’s defense system against disease. Could swiping this defense system be used to fight disease in humans? Lots of folks wondered why the French people have low rates of heart disease — even though they have rich fatty diets — and their consumption of red wines started to be examined and voila, the resveratrol was found there. Could this be the answer to heart disease? Maybe, maybe not, but the research on resveratrol and the claims began there.
resveratrol molecule
I have been taking resveratrol for about three months now, and to be honest, I really can’t tell any difference. I hadn’t researched the supplement much, but had heard great things about it from various sources, and so I found a 100 mg cap and added that to my morning supplement pile. Recently a study has come out that anywhere from 50 to 250 mg daily is ‘recommended’ for best results, so I have upped my dosage. Although my 100mg was in the recommended range, I wanted to be in the mid to high range for optimum results, and some people have suggested 1000 mg per day, so I figured I would split the difference.
Probably I would opt for an even higher dosage, but whew, this is an expensive supplement. The current supply I have cost 20 dollars and I got 60 – 200mg caps. Not too bad, I guess, but with Deb and I both taking these daily 60 is only a 30 day supply, so obviously that adds up pretty quickly.
Now on to my pros and cons report on this.
Pros
A study done at Northumbria University consisted of a relatively low number of subjects (N=24) and had three groupings, one placebo group, one group taking 500mg daily and one group taking 1000 mg daily. The subjects in the latter two groups tested better cognitively than the group that took the placebo. Basically they could coudl process thoughts ‘better.’ The study is supposed to be released soon in a peer reviewed publication. Looking forward to that.
There are claims that resveratrol has anti-concer and anti-aging properties.A study done at Harvard Medical School showed that mice had extended lifespans (15% + longer)and actually became leaner. they also had healthier heart and liver functions, as well. Good news there.
For people who like studies done in other countries, a study done in Australia (through Kansas State University) showed that resveratrol had therapeutic potential for cancer prevention and cardio protection. It also found that resveratrol may aid in the prevention of age-related disorders like neuro-degenerative diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
During laboratory trials using animals, there has been marked inhibition in the development of esophageal, intestinal, and breast cancer with oral administration of resveratrol.
Beyond a doubt resveratrol contains anti-oxidants which are all over today’s health headlines.
In the past year dozens of clinical trials have been done on human subjects and claims are pouring forth on the benefits of resveratrol. You can google resveratrol and get many sites to visit with all sorts of miraculous statements. Beware. Most of these ‘informational’ sites are trying to sell you, and directly link to the ‘best sources’ The links, of course, are affiliate links, so is the information unbiased? highly unlikely.
Cons
There haven’t been substantial testing done in human trials. Most of the testing done on the impact of resveratrol has been in lab situations, testing on rats and other animals. This being said, I haven’t heard of any negative impact in any humans, except perhaps for folks looking to get their resveratrol through red wine, in which case, the quantity of wine has been known to become as issue, not the resveratrol.
And the biggest con, some would believe, is that this is just the latest supplement fad to part you from your money. Granted there are many cases where this has been true, but I think resveratrol has too many backers from high levels of educational institutes and reputable labs.
Some pros and cons from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State
My Bottom Line – the pros far outweigh the cons. I will continue to take 200 to 400mg per day and I’ll let you know if I see benefits as time goes by.
—
update on the Every Other Day Diet, I am up to 8 pounds lost in just under two weeks. Yesterday I had a huge cheese steak and onion rings for lunch, yet still, I lose weight. Awesome.
