The compound du jour: resveratrol

Image via Wikipedia

It’s one of the ingredients that makes red wine good for you.  So far it’s been shown to prevent prostate cancer, battle obesity, prevent cancer, prevent heart disease, fight diabetes complications, even longevity.That’s the good news.

The bad news is that all the data are on mice.

A number of human trials are underway but it’s too early to draw conclusions.

The key seems to be resveratrol’s impact on a recently discovered family of proteins called sirtuins, enzymes that regulate the production of cellular components by the nucleus.  What concerns me is that low levels of resveratrol have an antioxidant effect, while high levels have a pro-oxidant effect.

If we’re lucky, human studies will determine the optimal dose.  As of now, no one knows how much is too much and how much is not enough.

But that hasn’t stopped the snake-oil supplement industry from doing a cannonball into the resveratrol pool.  Here’s a sample of what they’re telling you:

…all of our reviewers started seeing results within the first 3 days. Reviewers had reduced appetites, fewer wrinkles as well as increased energy levels. Every single reviewer had at least some weight loss, with one person losing almost four pounds the first week.

Uh-huh.  And more:

- Slows down the aging process by SI Factor of 10
- Greatly encourages weight loss and increased metabolism
- Reduces bloating, fatigue, and constipation
- Supports Cardiovascular Health
- As Much Resveratrol/Serving as 200 Glasses of Wine!

Many offer a free starter supply. They are so confident you’ll love their resveratrol that they’re willing to offer a FREE 30-DAY SUPPLY!  Yes, it’s free.  You only have to pay shipping – with your credit card.  And there’s the rub.  Check out the fine print:

…you will receive a 1 Month Supply and only be charged shipping & handling today. At the end of your RISK FREE TRIAL, you will be enrolled into our Membership Program for just $119.93, non refundable. As a member, every 30 days you can request a FREE 30 DAY SUPPLY and only pay shipping and handling.

And here’s the big kicker from Stephen Taylor, professor of pharmacology at the University of Queensland:

Resveratrol is largely inactivated by the gut or liver before it reaches the blood stream, where it exerts its effects. Thus, most of the reseveratrol in imbibed red wine does not reach the circulation. Interestingly, absorption via the mucous membanes in the mouth can result in up to around 100 times the blood levels…Of course, we don’t know if these things matter yet, but issues like this are real and generally ignored by all.

So there’s a excellent chance the resveratrol in those supplement capsules (if indeed there’s any at all, since the supplement industry is unregulated and without quality controls) may not reach your bloodstream.

At the moment, the best way to get your daily dose of resveratrol is through red wine (white has some too).  And don’t gulp it, roll it around in your mouth, savoring the flavor while those oral mucous membranes absorb it directly into your bloodstream.

Resaearch is underway to see which varietal has the most resveratrol.  I’ll keep you posted.