Resveratrol supplements are nutritional supplements, usually made of either grape skins and seeds or Japanese knotweed. Resveratrol is a special compound that is considered to have many beneficial properties. Its presence in red wine received major research and focus since it was thought to potentially extend life, as evidenced in cultures where red wine is consumed regularly, such as France. It may have some cancer fighting properties, support for cardiovascular health, and anti-inflammatory properties. Most of the studies on this substance have been done on mice or rats, but are not fully proven in human populations. Nevertheless, the supplements are attractive to many people.
They may be even more attractive when legitimate television news magazine sources like 60 Minutes run stories on the potential benefits of resveratrol supplements, as they did in 2009. This led to increased interest in buying the supplements to protect against aging, and as perhaps a magic bullet cure for diseases that tend to occur in later life. What isn’t entirely known is if taking supplements would be an ample substitute for a lifetime of red wine drinking. The so-called French paradox, which suggests that the French appear to have lower than average incidences of things like cardiovascular disease, despite a diet fairly high in fats, was attributed to drinking red wine. Yet, drinking red wine occurred daily for years to perhaps provide this benefit, and did not occur because French people took a supplement.
Nevertheless there are companies hugely interested in marketing resveratrol supplements and certainly this nutritional supplement has received a great deal of attention from not just little known herbal medicine companies, but also from some of the giants in the pharmaceutical industry. It is being studied more, though there are still not that many studies on its effects in humans. Another matter that is important to note is that it’s not quite determined how much resveratrol is needed and which companies are making products that are best absorbed by the body.
Typically higher priced resveratrol supplements may suggest greater quality control, but there may be some low-priced ones that will still give people an adequate supply. Amounts taken tend to be in much greater concentration than amounts available in a daily glass of red wine, and it’s hard to know if much higher levels provide more benefit. More isn’t necessarily better with all chemicals.
Though studies on resveratrol supplements are engaging and of great interest, they are by no means conclusive. This substance may turn out to be something of miracle drug, or it might not. It’s suggested people interested in taking a supplement form of resveratrol, do some research on which brands are considered most reputable and have the highest standards in manufacturing.
