Resveratrol Benefits, Risks and Unknown Factors

Resveratrol, a phytoalexin found in red wine, is often recommended by nutritionists for people who are seeking supplements that support healthy aging, prevent cancer, and promote general well-being. While long-term human studies of resveratrol's effects are somewhat limited, there is some reason to believe that this potent chemical can drastically slow the aging process, leading to a longer life and better health. Still, owing to limited data and some evidence of side effects, others view the resveratrol trend as hype, or even a scam.

Resveratrol first gained media attention in the early nineties, when nutritionists developed a fascination with the so-called "French Paradox"-- the fact that the citizens of France eat high concentrations of saturated fat, yet experience lower rates of heart disease than Americans. Believing that resveratrol in red wine was responsible for this phenomenon, the television show Sixty Minutes aired a special in 1992 encouraging the idea that red wine has many health benefits. This ultimately led to a 44% increase in red wine sales and a newer, cleaner reputation for moderate alcohol in the American diet. The trend has continued to this day.

Studies about resveratrol's safety and efficacy, while generally encouraging, are somewhat conflicted. While it has consistently shown promising effects in battling cancer, slowing the aging process, and reducing inflammation, these effects have not yet been fully demonstrated in humans. Comparing the necessary doses for small mammals and the amount of resveratrol typically found in red wine, and it alone does not appear to fully explain the French Paradox. Still, any supplement that seems to fight cancer and eliminate signs of aging deserves a second look.

Controlled studies have shown that resveratrol can increase the life-span of some animals, but it is not yet known whether or not humans benefit from it in this capacity. Only simple animals, such as round worms, fruit flies, and short-lived fish are clearly demonstrated to live longer when their diets are supplemented with resveratrol. More complex animals, such as mice and rats, show reduced signs of aging when they are supplemented with resveratrol-- however, their life spans are not significantly increased by supplementation. Long-term, placebo-controlled studies of its effect on the human life-span are currently unavailable, but some nutritionists believe that the potentially positive effects are worthwhile.

Some physicians, however, warn that resveratrol supplements might carry a few risks, and that the potential risks may outweigh the benefits. Although many studies have shown that resveratrol fights breast cancer, one physician has hypothesized that its estrogen-like compounds might actually encourage the development of breast cancer cells. While there is little reason to suspect this or any other negative effect (many harmless plant foods contain phytoestrogens) some physicians and herbalists warn that resveratrol may interfere with female hormones in ways that are not yet fully understood.

Overall, resveratrol shows significant promise in its ability to combat aging, slow the growth of cancer cells, and even-- potentially-- prolong the human life span. While it is not believed to be linked with any serious negative side effects, it is important to bear in mind that human clinical studies are still limited, and that resveratrol has not yet been proven to offer significant health benefits to human patients.