Resveratrol - The Apeiron Life Perspective

5 min read

Updated: Apr 13, 2023

Our Apeiron Life Scientific Advisory Board members review each perspective post.

What it is:

When a plant is under attack, it produces compounds to signal and protect itself. This chemical defense system activates when bugs chew on it, the plant is crushed, or pathogens like fungi/bacteria attack it. Resveratrol (RV) is a naturally occurring chemical response in multiple plants such as blueberries, grapes, cocoa, cranberries, and legumes. Our bodies utilize resveratrol’s antioxidant properties to repair and recycle our mitochondria. The research hopes to show an increase in this revitalization process of mitochondria and their repair pathways by supplementing RV. Sirtuins are the pathways that resveratrol activates. Sirtuins defend our cells and repair damage preventing deterioration of cells (aging). Keeping these pathways activated is the goal of resveratrol consumption. There are a few other Sirtuin activating compounds, but resveratrol got the most hype due to its existence in red wine. Wine requires the process of crushing, which triggers this defense response, and therefore, the concentration of RV in grape skins and seeds leads to high concentrations in wine. The hypothesis that our bodies will activate our Sitruin pathways is the basis for resveratrol's sudden appearance in longevity discussions. It has potential based in science, but the studies have not shown a clear connection to improved longevity and health in humans yet.

Purported claims:

Resveratrol has a few research studies claiming benefits such as:

Anti-inflammatory
Anti-carcinogenic
Anti-bacterial
Anti-oxidant
Cardioprotective
Neuroprotective
Vasorelaxant

Increased life longevity and insulin sensitivity claims have also been touted.

What the science says:

One of the significant hindrances of resveratrol supplementation is its poor solubility, absorbability, and bioavailability in humans. Most studies are focused upon rats, mice, and yeast cells; therefore, any claims made upon resveratrol’s benefits should be taken with a grain of salt until more evidence in humans is revealed. This isn’t to say the claims aren’t viable, just that more human studies are required. The amounts used in studies (recommended ~ 1g Rv/day) via supplements are almost impossible to obtain from whole foods due to the quantities required. To obtain the research experiment levels of resveratrol from whole foods, you would need to consume multiple cups of grapes, red wine, or chocolate per day. Although delicious-sounding, this is not beneficial, healthy, or a recommended practice. Grape powders and other concentrations have been formed to varying degrees of success and results. Some successful small studies in men and women showed anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits. One of the proposed reasons resveratrol may be beneficial is its caloric restriction mimicking characteristics. Caloric restriction has been shown to be a possible longevity-inducing feature. Resveratrol may mimic energy restriction in the body and therefore have some of the same benefits, but this has only been shown in rodents and yeast so far. Studies in mice and yeast cells did show positive benefits of resveratrol for Alzheimers, and longevity, which is a great start but not enough evidence to recommend humans take RV supplements. Cardiovascular disorders (CVD) - Resveratrol was found to be beneficial for patients with CVD. David Sinclair is self-experimenting with this supplement due to his family history of cardiovascular issues. One of the claims is that RV is a vasorelaxant. This means it lowers blood pressure by helping the body produce higher amounts of nitric oxide, a vessel relaxant. Cancer - The results were varied when it comes to cancer cell expression, some studies found resveratrol decreased the prevalence of certain types, and others found it increased certain cell events. This is not to say it is cancer-causing but may impact cancer cell expression. Some studies show resveratrol has possible protective qualities against cancer, but the research has not shown any direct links so far. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) - The anti-bacterial properties of RV has shown promise in infections such as UTI’s. Insulin sensitivity - A thorough six-month trial of resveratrol supplementation in overweight adults found unaffected insulin sensitivity. Adverse effects such as kidney damage have occurred at high doses in studies with rats. However, this was a purposeful test to see the upper limits, as anything in excess can be toxic.

Our take:

Combinations of chemicals exist in our food for a reason. Isolating a component away from the hundreds of other phytochemicals it interacts with doesn’t necessarily mean it will function in the same capacity. This may explain the varied results of resveratrol supplementation. Until there is more literature on the subject, it is best to aim for whole foods and tweak your eating patterns to incorporate the vast array of naturally occurring phytonutrients. If you still wish to partake in this supplement, sourcing where you get them from is incredibly important. Please speak to your Client Advocate about our Apeiron Life Supplementation program.

There are no advised levels of dosing as of now but a few areas to look out for if you decide to partake in this supplement:

Start on short-term, low doses in the morning.
Divide doses to gradually introduce your gut microbiota and regular body functions to the new regimen.
Black pepper (piperine) and foods high in ribose (low-fat yogurt, milk) may aid bioavailability.
Avoid high-fat meals as this may lessen bioavailability. But taken with a small amount of fat such as a spoon of olive oil may encourage absorption.

Will this benefit you?

Maybe. The supplementation knowledge is not there yet. So far, research has shown doses up to 5/g day can be tolerated and are recognized as safe in healthy adults. Monitoring any changes whilst trying new supplements is very important. Increasing whole foods high in resveratrol, such as cocoa, grapes, and berries, will be beneficial, if not for the RV, but because they contain numerous other healthful compounds.

Still curious to try it? If you do, here’s what to keep an eye on:

Two perspectives on either side of the Longevity spectrum within the research field follow different practices:

David Sinclair suggests consuming resveratrol alongside NMN as resveratrol is like a car, and NAD (NMN) is the fuel; you’re not accelerating anywhere without both of them. So if you decide to follow this supplement pathway, make sure you’re combining the correct compounds.
Matt Kaeberlein does not take any of the Longevity supplements himself. He is not convinced by any of the Longevity supplement research and therefore focuses on healthy eating patterns, resistance training, and other beneficial lifestyle areas.

If consuming other medications, caution should be taken due to unknown effects or interactions, including possible clotting issues.

References and additional reading:

Resveratrol - The Apeiron Life Perspective

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