RESVERATROL SUPPLEMENTS: HELP OR HYPE?

WRITER: M. O’LEARY

In the constant search for good health and longevity, one antioxidant sparked the interest of scientists. A plant compound called resveratrol has shown promise in many areas of medical research, including anti-aging and combating such diseases as cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and heart disease. Resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes, peanuts, pistachios, blueberries, and cranberries. Many manufacturers offer resveratrol in the form of supplements, but human research with resveratrol has been limited at best, so are these supplements helpful or hype?

A phenomenon called the “French Paradox” first brought resveratrol to the attention of scientists. The French population has remarkably low rates of heart disease, despite having risk factors that contribute to heart problems, such as high-fat diets and smoking. It was theorized that the consumption of red wine by the French people contributed to their health and longevity. Red wine is a rich source of resveratrol, along with other ingredients that have beneficial properties.

Scientists focused on resveratrol, doing numerous studies in test tubes and on live subjects such as mice. Their findings suggest this antioxidant has incredible potential for health benefits. Antioxidants help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals, unstable atoms produced by toxins, pollutants, and metabolites in our body. In various scientific studies, resveratrol was shown to have protective effects on cardiovascular and neural tissue, inhibiting effects on cancer cell growth, and increasing the lifespan of certain animal models. These findings are exciting, suggesting resveratrol may prevent or delay cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, and even aging.

Yet studies with resveratrol on humans are very limited. Scientists don’t know if this antioxidant has the same effect in humans as it does in research animals, nor do they know the long-term effects of resveratrol consumption. Clinical trials are currently being performed with cognitively impaired subjects and those with type 2 diabetes, but these studies are limited. It’s not yet known whether resveratrol can inhibit or treat cancer in humans, or provide protection for heart and neural tissue.

The lack of human studies has called into question the usefulness of resveratrol supplements. Some medical professionals dismiss this oral supplement as hype, a way for manufacturers to profit from resveratrol’s promising initial research. Others say the promising results form a good foundation for human research, and resveratrol shouldn’t be dismissed until ineffectiveness is proven. Though resveratrol has few side effects, it may interact with blood thinners like Warfarin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. It may also have an effect on estrogen metabolism.

Resveratrol supplements appear to be safe for most consumers. Besides cost, there is very little downside to taking them, but benefits have yet to be scientifically proven. The question of whether this antioxidant is help or hype doesn’t have an answer. Consumers might be better off eating foods containing resveratrol, such as red grapes, peanuts, and berries. On the other hand, if the supplements someday prove wondrous, people taking them will be a step ahead.

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