Americans have embraced the idea that dietary supplements may cure or prevent disease with supplement sales topping $5 trillion in 2009, according to the American Botanical Council. Resveratrol offers seemingly unbelievable benefits, touching upon some people's greatest health concerns. You may wonder if Resveratrol is a good supplement. Because they are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, you should proceed cautiously before taking any nutritional supplement.
What Is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a phytochemical derived from the skin of grapes and other berries, such as blueberries and raspberries as well as red wine. A phytochemical is a chemical compound found in plants that may have health benefits. Plants produce this chemical as a defense mechanism against fungi or bacteria. It is this action that attracted the attention of scientists as a possible dietary supplement.
Benefits
One of the health claims surrounding Resveratrol involves its effects on cardiovascular health. A 2009 study published in the "Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology" found that Resveratrol may protect the heart from atherosclerosis and heart disease. Part of the evidence involves its anti-inflammatory properties and the response it induces in the body. A 2008 study published in "PLoS ONE" found evidence that Resveratrol mimics a caloric-restricted diet that appeared to mitigate the effects of a high-fat diet.
Effects
Some of the more compelling research involves Resveratrol's effect on aging. A 2008 study published in the journal, "Cell Metabolism" showed that Resveratrol delayed the effects of aging. These findings support research from the 2009 study in the "Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology." It is this health claim regarding Resveratrol use that may have attracted much of its attention about whether it is a good supplement.
Drug Interactions
Resveratrol like many supplements may have serious interactions with other medications that you may be taking. Because of its effect on the heart, individuals with pre-existing heart or blood disorders should consult their doctor before taking Resveratrol. The Drugsite Trust warns of the possibility of drug interactions with blood thinners such as aspirin and warfarin. Though no side effects have been reported, this is not evidence that Resveratrol is a good supplement for all individuals, cautions Mayo Clinic.
Guidelines
You can find Resveratrol at health food stores and online stores. It is available in capsule, extract or pill form. You may also find it as part of a complex with other heart-friendly nutritional supplements. There is not a standard dosage for Resveratrol. Follow the product's guidelines for dosing information.
References
- "Herbal Gram"; Herbal Supplement Sales Rise in All Channels in 2009; C. Cavaliere, P. Rea, M. Lynch, and M. Blumenthal; Spring 2010
- "Principles of Anatomy and Physiology"; G. Tortora et al; 2005
- "Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology"; Grapes, Wines, Resveratrol, and Heart Health; A. Bertelli and D. Das; December 2009
- "PLoS ONE"; A Low Dose of Dietary Resveratrol Partially Mimics Caloric Restriction and Retards Aging Parameters in Mice; J. Barger et al; 2008
- "Cell Metabolism"; Resveratrol Delays Age-Related Deterioration and Mimics Transcriptional Aspects of Dietary Restriction without Extending Life Span;K. Pearson et al; August 2008
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