Resveratrol – Side Effects
The popular molecule known as resveratrol has been on the radar of the medical and scientific community and the public alike for many years now, thanks to many studies done on its miraculous effects showing tumor arrest, heart health, and powerful antioxidant properties. But what about possible side effects of resveratrol?
Resveratrol is found in many different plants, including peanuts and Japanese Knotweed and dark skinned fruits such as pomegranates, blueberries, and cranberries. Resveratrol is also found in grapes, fueling many articles on the health benefits of red wine. To be sure, if you over imbibe red wine, you will have side effects, though not from an overdose of resveratrol. To get the amount of resveratrol into your body that is normally used in studies, you would have to drink several bottles daily. Instead, manufacturers have developed resveratrol supplements, and they are available in varying dosages and strengths. While long-term side effects of resveratrol supplementation in humans are not yet known, many positive side effects have been reported by both scientists and resveratrol users. However, there are some points to keep in mind.
First, it is important to know that resveratrol does have mild estrogenic activity that has not yet been evaluated in humans, so until more is known it is recommended that woman with estrogen-sensitive conditions, including some cancers, consult with their health practitioner before taking resveratrol supplements to avoid any possible side effects. It is also recommended that resveratrol supplementation be avoided by children and women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive, to avoid possible anti-growth side effects. Also, because resveratrol does act as a blood thinner (one of the reasons it has been noted as heart-healthy), it is suggested that people already on blood thinning medication avoid resveratrol supplementation unless recommended by their doctor, in order to avoid any adverse side effects. The same goes for others that are using prescription drugs – always consult with your doctor first.
Negative side effects have been noted in volunteer participants taking mega doses (500 – 1000 mg) of resveratrol. While these side effects were reversible, they are worth considering. The side effects experienced included diarrhea, abnormal blood tests, over thinning of the blood, headaches, and anxiety. Current recommendations to avoid these side effects are to start moderate (20 – 50 mg doses) and increase gradually, staying below the 500 mg dose, and taking into consideration your own body size and current health status.
Even with the above considerations, resveratrol supplements have been sold for several years now, with no major side effects (i.e. non-reversible) reported. Rather, the positive side effects of resveratrol are becoming widely known and discussed. Users often report that the side effects they experience from taking resveratrol supplementation range from higher and more prolonged energy and endurance, greater mental clarity, and better sleeping habits. Scientific studies in the lab report that positive side effects of resveratrol include lowered cholesterol, prolonged life spans in test animals and insects, anti tumor and cancer development properties, metabolic balance, and anti fungal and microbial properties. With side effects like that, the horizon looks rosy for this molecule, and we can all look forward to continuing research as we further our quest for a longer and healthier life.
Ohhh…i didnt see this. I have the side effects now! thanks !
Hi-I am interested in Resveratrol. I am a 57 yr old male. I am basically in good health. Have had one stint 5 tears ago; on no meds but natural cholestral reducing agents; could stand to lose 20 lbs. Is this drug appropriate for me?
Thanks,
Leslie
Hi, what kind of side effects have you experienced? You moght want to consider the low dose resvantage product which has been referenced on the site. It can offer the benefit of resveratrol molecule without over dosing potential because it is only 15mg a capsule. It may be better to take 2 of these twice a day at 10-12 hr intervals to keep the effects constant over a 24 hr period. Read more about resvantage here – Resvantage.com
Hi Leslie,
Resveratrol is not a drug but an isolated molecule that activates the sert 1 molecule shown to reduce fat and increase longevity in lab tests. Their is certainly a lot of compelling evidence that shows it’s potential. Perhaps you can start off with a low dose revsveratrol product – that follows the research and is produced in an oxygen free enviroment to preserve the resveratrol from breaking down. resvantage.com
i am having side effects having trouble breathing,i keep spitting red mucus, and my urine looks ljke wine.and my left hand keeps spasing
Deborah,
you may want to read the resveratrol dosage artcle I posted recently – taking mega dose resveratrol products may have negative effects. A lot of research shows that a small dose – 15mg -25mg is all that is needed to activate the longevity gene that creates all the benefits.
http://www.resveratrol.info/2009/05/resveratrol-dosage-high-dose-side-effects/
david
I take many vitamins & suppliments (Multiple Vitamins, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Omega 3, Vitalzym, Chromium, Vit B, Vit C, Vit E, Triphala, Femal, Vitex/Cohash are all I can remember) can Resveratrol reduce the need for other suppliments? If so, which ones will they eliminate/replace?
My question about the side effects is: will resveratrol be safe with a 20 mg dose of paxil daily with the possible side effect of anxiety with resveratrol?
I am a 19 year old female that has transitioned to a healthier lifestyle (diet and excercise) since January of 2009.
But now that i’m on my last 20 lbs and I have found weight lost to be difficult. And what with my chronic insomnia have been subject to pre-mature aging for most of my life (since age 6) and am now finally begining to see/feel the results of my chronic lack of sleep.
I was curious on your opinion of me taking Reservatrol, and exactly which Reservatrol supplement would be best for me. I like to use and consume natural/organic supplements and was wondering if there are any Reservatrol supplements available that are the aforementioned.
And if its not too much, how do you think Reservatrol would fare when combined with a Raw Foods diet?
Marina,
if you like organic then take a look at the reservage brand description on the supplements page here and then click on the link – it is made from organic grapes
http://www.resveratrol.info/resveratrol-supplements/
I am 59 years old an in menopause. After three weeks of taking Resveratrol Ultra I am experiencing extreme hotflashes that I have not had in 2-3 years. I am not on HRT so I suspect this product is the culprit. I am also concerned about its interaction with my low dose synthroid. I’m wondering if I should discontinue?
One of the side effects, is that you have committed to ongoing monthly charges.
If they are free trials, surely they could permit payment (for the free trial shipping), via PayPal or Neteller, etc.
I took yesterday 1 325mg of WHOLE HEALTH extra strength Reseveratrol at breakfast. By 2:30 I had a exploding headache. I thought it was because I didn’t eat large and I may have been under stress. I am opening a business. The headache subsided for a short time after I took one cup of tea, a naproxen 500mg, and a 8% codiene with caffeine. That relief was for only 2 hours. Then it exploded again, and I went to bed with ice on my head and eyes. Slept for about 5 hours, and have been up most of the night. Do you think it’s from the resveratrol? can you email me directly?
Hard to say what that is from – I have written quite a bit on dosage on this blog. Larger doses don’t necessarily provide greater benefits. I am not familiar with the brand nor how it is manufacturered. Personally, I take the resvantage brand 15mg capsules 2 times a day and feel great!
Most side effects are probably not side effects, but rather direct effects against a hidden or unsuspected condition…examples Lyme, Lyme-like, yeast, other infectious organisms, plus other conditions. The side effects are probably a “healing crisis”, where the body has been so accustomed to having certain toxins present that when they are countered or reversed, dozens of enzymes and receptors begin to readjust. We probably have unknown things wrong within us that we are not aware of, and something like Resveratrol can highlight that something is wrong by way of the Herxheimer reaction, healing crisis, or readjustment. I think in some people side effects may be true side effects unrelated to anything, but those are probably few.
Resveratrol – Resveratrol is a polyphenol, a natural antioxidant that protects cells against dangerous, naturally occurring substances known as free radicals. It decreases the `stickiness’ of blood platelets and helps blood vessels remain open and flexible. Since it is not an essential nutrient, Resveratrol is not associated with a deficiency state. Buy Resveratrol Supplements on Discount at HerbsMD
I have been taking Resveratrol for about 1 month now. Recently, I have experienced a burning itch in my elbows, shoulders and spine. Has anyone had a similar experience? Just wondering if it could be a side efffect.
I take blood preasure medications is their any contraindications in relation to Resveratrol ….I take 100mg capsule daily ….some medications specify not to take blood thining products !!!
I have just started my first dose yesterday and noticed the same experience Laura. Also my skin is slow to change back to normal color when I press on it. I also take other supplements so this may have just made them more available to my body.
I took Resveratrol and experienced severe breast pain for weeks. I finally stopped taking it, and my breast pain went away. I believe much more research needs to be done to evaluate the safety of this supplement!
Hi
I was taking Maxi Health Resveratrol with grapeseed extract for 3 weeks. I experienced Horrible Abdominal cramping periodically, Diaharea and I have had a loose bowel now for 3 weeks plus. I’ve been off Resveratrol for 4 days. My abdominal cramping has mostly gone away. I have not had a solid Bowel movement in 3 weeks plus which is totally rare for me. I never experienced abdominal cramping before or any kind of long term loose bowel like i have in the past 3 weeks plus. Thank God i found what could be causing this when i looked up resveratrol side effects. Bummer is I didn’t find this out before i started taking it. Can anyone tell me if the loose bowel will reverse itself? Has anyone experienced permenant damage from resveratrol?
I heard it was for inflammation and the doctor told me I have inflammation of the stomach…(also acid reflux, erosions of the esophagus, stomach lining damage, a hiatial hernia)… think it’s making it worse…
I’ve been taking Resveratrol for two weeks now and started noticing tingling in my limbs. My legs fall asleep if I sit on them for just a short period. Last night during my regular yoga class the fingers in my left hand went numb. It was strange because it was in the beginning of class, I am used to doing 90 minutes of yoga before I feel exhausted in any way. I am also breaking out really bad. I’ve always had preety clear skin. Has anyone else noticed any of these symptoms?
How much of a dosage are you taking? side effects have been noted by some people who are taking resveratrol supplements with 100mg or more doses.