Resveratrol Supplements Review (From Red Wine,
Knotweed, and Other Sources)
See Which Resveratrol
Supplements Were Best In Our Tests and Comparisons.
Learn What Resveratrol Can and Can't Do.
Medically reviewed and
edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. 
Last Updated
: 09/24/2021 | Initially Posted:
01/16/2021Latest Update: Resveratrol for Mild COVID?
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Table of Contents
Summary
·
Does resveratrol help? There is some preliminary evidence that
resveratrol supplements may be helpful for age-related macular degeneration.
Evidence for other popularly promoted uses, such as cardiovascular health and
lowering cholesterol, improving insulin sensitivity in diabetes, improving
memory, and "life-extension" is quite limited, and in some cases,
contradictory (see What It Does).
·
Which form of resveratrol is best? Resveratrol is a
plant chemical found in red grape skins and grape seeds, purple grape juice and
red wine, but most resveratrol in supplements comes from the Japanese knotweed
plant (Fallopia japonica or Polygonum
cuspidatum). Resveratrol exists in either the
cis- or trans- form, but trans-resveratrol is found most abundantly in nature
and is the most-researched form (see What It Is).
·
How much resveratrol is actually in supplements? All of the products
tested in this review were found to contain the amounts of resveratrol claimed
on their labels, which ranged from about 106 to 618 mg per serving (see What CL Found). This is an improvement over
2016 when CL found that a "resveratrol complex" in a product was
11.8% resveratrol.
·
Which resveratrol supplement is best? Among the
resveratrol products that were Approved for their quality in our tests, the
cost to obtain 100 mg of trans-resveratrol ranged from just 5 cents to $1.40.
We selected two products that provided high-quality resveratrol at relatively
low cost as our Top Picks).
·
What is the right dose of resveratrol? Although there is
no established safe and effective dose for resveratrol, a typical dose of
approximately 150 mg per day may have activity in people, although higher doses
are also used (see ConsumerTips™).
·
Is resveratrol safe? Resveratrol should not be taken by women
with estrogen-sensitive conditions, nor by children, or women who are pregnant.
People taking blood thinners are strongly advised to consult a physician before
taking resveratrol because of potential drug interactions (see Concerns and Cautions for more
information).
What It Is:
Resveratrol
is a plant chemical found in red grape skins and grape seeds, purple grape
juice and red wine, and in smaller amounts in peanuts. Resveratrol is also
found in other plants such as the roots of the Chinese medicinal herb, hu zhang — commonly known as Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica or Polygonum cuspidatum) — which is typically the source of
resveratrol in supplements. Japanese knotweed originated in Japan and China,
but in the late 1800's was introduced in the U.S., where it is now considered
an invasive species (it tends to crowd out other plants, and its roots can
damage riverbanks, building foundations, etc.). In Japan, young leaves and
shoots of the plant are eaten; however, amounts of resveratrol found in the
plant would be much lower than amounts in an extract from the plant — which
would be more highly concentrated. Resveratrol extracted from Japanese knotweed
for supplements is likely to come from China, although there are other sources,
such as Canada. Labels typically do not list the country of origin, but some
manufacturers may be able to provide this information if you ask them.
Resveratrol is also found in the roots of a South American shrub (Senna quinquangulata).
Red wine extract, red
grape skin extract, grape seed extract (GSE), grape pomace extract (GPE), and
Japanese knotweed extract contain varying amounts of resveratrol along with
other plant chemicals. Be aware that resveratrol itself is a white compound,
but many resveratrol-containing supplements have a brownish color due to other
plant compounds.
Resveratrol exists in
either the cis- or trans- form. Cis- and trans-resveratrol have some common
biological activities, while other activities are specific to only one form or
the other. Each contain the same type and number of atoms, but the orientation
of the atoms is slightly different. Either form can exist as free compound or
attached to a sugar as a glycoside (in which case the molecule is known as
resveratrol glucoside, since the specific sugar that attaches to resveratrol is
glucose). In nature, the trans- form is most abundant. It is also the most
commercially available and the most researched.
What It Does:
Although resveratrol is found in red wine at about 1 to 2 mg of
trans-resveratrol per bottle (Stervbo, Food Chem 2006), resveratrol
supplementation has yet to be shown to offer the cardiovascular benefits, such
as reduced risk of heart attack, associated with light-to-moderate alcohol
consumption (about one glass of wine or pint of beer per day) (Ding, BMC Medicine 2021).
Some studies have shown
that supplementation with resveratrol can improve endothelial function in blood
vessels, but, more importantly, it has not consistently been shown to help
reduce blood pressure. For example, a study found that in people with metabolic
syndrome who took 100 mg of resveratrol daily for three months,
flow-mediated dilation increased 5% (Fujitaka Nutr Res 2011), but there was no
significant effect on blood pressure, insulin resistance, lipid
profiles or inflammatory markers.
Similarly,
a study among 41 men and women (average age 61) who were overweight/obese but
did not have diabetes showed that 150 mg of resveratrol (resVida,
DSM Nutrition — 99.9% trans-resveratrol) taken daily for 6 months did not
improve insulin sensitivity, although HbA1c (an
indicator of blood sugar levels over time) was modestly lower (35.8 mmol/mol vs
37.6 mmol/mol) in those who took resveratrol compared to placebo after
adjusting for differences in their starting levels. There were no improvements
in body composition or reductions in blood pressure compared to placebo. DSM
provided the resveratrol capsules but did not fund the study (de Ligt, Am J Clin Nutr 2020).
A study of 179 men and
women with type 2 diabetes in Italy (average age 65), most of
whom were taking oral diabetes medication such as Metformin, found that taking
either 40 or 500 mg daily of resveratrol (as trans-resveratrol from Biotivia Bioceuticals) did
not improve fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, insulin resistance, CRP
(a measure of inflammation), total cholesterol, or blood pressure, compared to
placebo (Bo, Pharmacol Res 2016).
The researchers noted that studies that have found resveratrol to improve
glucose control in diabetes have tended to involve younger participants. They
theorized that resveratrol may be less helpful in people who have had diabetes
for longer periods of time.
A four
week study in obese men found that a high dose of resveratrol (3 tablets
containing 500 mg of trans-resveratrol each, for a daily total of 1,500 mg
trans-resveratrol) did not have any effect on blood pressure or
rates of lipid oxidation (Poulsen, Diabetes 2013).
Although one study
suggested that a combination of resveratrol and grape seed extract may help
lower levels of bad cholesterol and improve measures of inflammation,
the researchers warned that high daily doses of resveratrol (hundreds of
milligrams to grams) could inhibit enzymes important for the metabolism of
statins and other drugs for cardiovascular disease (Tome-Carneiro, Ann N.Y. Acad. Sci 2013). Disturbingly, a study in Denmark among middle-aged men
with metabolic syndrome found that a high daily dose (1,000
mg) of resveratrol (purity >98%) taken for four months, modestly increased total
and "bad" LDL cholesterol, and worsened one measure of blood sugar (fructosamine) as compared to placebo. A lower daily dose
(150 mg) did not have this effect; however, neither the low nor high dose
showed any other benefit (such as a reduction in blood pressure, inflammation,
or body fat) in the men (Kjaer, J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017).
The increase in cholesterol levels with the high dose appears to be consistent
with findings of a laboratory study in which resveratrol was shown to increase
atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in animals fed a high-fat diet (Wilson, Life Sci 1996).
Be aware that resveratrol
may have a blood-thinning effect and should not be used by people taking
blood-thinning medications without physician supervision (See Cautions and Concerns).
Animal research of
resveratrol has demonstrated a "life-extending" effect.
Specifically, in mice made obese with an extremely high fat diet, those given
resveratrol lived an average of 15% longer than those not provided the
supplement. The resveratrol-fed mice also showed increased insulin sensitivity
and improved motor function. Whether normally fed mice also show lifespan
extension by resveratrol remains unanswered. However, the current research in
animals as well as people suggests that the initial excitement about
resveratrol as a life-extending supplement was exaggerated. Similarly, although
resveratrol has been found to either directly or indirectly activate the SIRT1
gene (Hubbard, Science 2013) —
sometimes referred to as the "longevity gene" and associated with
cellular metabolism, cellular repair, and lifespan animals (Li, Acta Biochim Biophys Sin 2013) — more research is needed to
determine the implications of this for human health.
A
30-day study of resveratrol (150 mg/day of 99% pure trans-resveratrol — resVida) in obese men showed it mimicked
the metabolic effects of a calorie-restricted diet (Timmers, Cell Metabolism 2011). While this did not affect
the subjects' weight, the researchers suggested that the effects represented
improvements in general health parameters, as the treatment caused lower
systolic blood pressure, improved liver function, and significantly lower
triglyceride levels. There were also indications of improved insulin
sensitivity, consistent with earlier pilot studies (although, as noted earlier,
subsequent studies have failed to show improved insulin sensitivity).
One
small study in Germany in overweight but healthy individuals (ages 50 to 75)
found that 26 weeks of resveratrol (200 mg with 320 mg of quercetin daily --
divided into two doses taken with meals) not only improved glucose metabolism,
but also improved memory performance and activity in the
hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in memory function. People who
received resveratrol were able to retain significantly more words 30 minutes
after hearing them than those who received a placebo. On other measures of
memory, such as recognition and learning ability, those receiving resveratrol
also improved, but by about the same amount as those who receiving the placebo
(Witte, J Neurosci 2014). However, a later study involving the same daily dose of
resveratrol and quercetin for the same length of time did not improve
memory or affect hippocampal activity in older, overweight adults, as compared
to placebo. Additionally, those who took resveratrol had similar increases in
weight, body fat and fasting glucose levels during the study as those who took
the placebo. The researchers could not explain the different results, but
suggested that the change in season during the study (from spring/summer to
fall/winter) may have affected participants' diets and physical activity levels
(which decreased during the study) (Huhn, Neuroimage 2018).
A one-year study
involving 129 healthy postmenopausal women in Australia
(average age of 64) found 75 mg of trans-resveratrol taken twice daily modestly
improved overall cognitive performance compared to placebo.
The improvement was driven by small increases in processing speed and cognitive
flexibility, but there were no significant differences between the groups with
regard to episodic, verbal, or working memory or language. Blood flow velocity
in the brain was little changed in the resveratrol group, although it was
reported as "significantly improved" relative to the placebo group in
which flow decreased (Zaw, Nutrients 2020). Further
analyses of the study also showed modest benefits with resveratrol relative to
placebo with regard to self-reported muscle and joint pain and sweating and flushing as
well as improved overall "well-being" (based on pain, mood, and
quality of life). Resveratrol did not improve urinary symptoms or vaginal
dryness (Zaw, Menopause 2020).
A one-year study among men and women with mild to moderate Alzheimer's
disease found that a biomarker (Aβ40) which typically decreases
with progression of Alzheimer's remained stable in people given large doses of
resveratrol, while it decreased in those given placebo. There were no
significant effects on other biomarkers and cognitive functioning decreased in
both groups — although slightly less in the resveratrol group, but this was not
statistically significant. Brain volume loss was actually greater in the group
receiving resveratrol, but was not associated with cognitive decline and has
been seen in studies of other potential treatments. The daily dose started at
500 mg of resveratrol and increased up to 2,000 mg over the course of the
study. The researchers cautioned that the findings are preliminary and do not
prove resveratrol is beneficial in Alzheimer's disease; further research is
required (Turner, Neurology 2015).
Some
very preliminary evidence suggests resveratrol could be helpful for age-related
macular degeneration (AMD). For example, one laboratory study found that
resveratrol inhibited the production of vascular endothelial growth factors
(VEGF) (the overexpression of which is known to worsen AMD) in human retinal
cells (Nagineni, Aging Dis
2014). (VEGF is also the target of anti-VEGF drugs such as
Lucentis, Eylea and Avastin, which are injected directly into the eye in order
to help slow the abnormal growth of blood vessels and slow vision loss in
conditions such as wet AMD.) There have been a few cases of people with AMD
experiencing improvement or slower progression of the disease while taking
the Longevinex brand of resveratrol,
each reported by the same doctor (Richer, Optometry 2009; Richer, Nutrients 2013; Richer, Nutrients 2014). Among these cases,
modest improvements, such as reduction of edema and excessive blood vessel
growth in the eye and increased macular pigment volume were reported when one
capsule of Longevinex (providing 100
mg of trans-resveratrol from Polygonum cuspidatum,
plus rice bran phytate, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, green tea extract and 1000
IU of vitamin D) was taken daily over a period of time ranging from six weeks
to three years. One small study among young healthy men and women found that a
single capsule of Longevinex increased
choroidal thickness (which may decrease in AMD) one hour after ingestion
(possibly by increasing blood flow to the eye), compared to placebo (Wang, Curr Eye Res 2016).
However, there do not appear to be any randomized, placebo-controlled studies
on the effects of Longevinex, or any
resveratrol supplement, in people with AMD.
In laboratory studies, resveratrol has been shown to
have anti-viral effects, inhibiting the protein production and gene
expression of viruses such as influenza A and Epstein-Barr (Abba, Adv Virol 2015).
Due to this, and its potential anti-inflammatory effects, there has been
interest in resveratrol for treating COVID-19. However, a study among 100 men
and women with mild COVID-19 who were given either resveratrol
or placebo within seven days of symptom onset found that at 21 days after
supplementation was started, resveratrol did not decrease the
incidence of hospitalization, COVID-related ER visits, or COVID-related
pneumonia compared to placebo. The resveratrol used in the study (Vita-Age,
> 98% pure trans-resveratrol from Polygonum cuspidatum)
was given as 500 mg capsules, two capsules four times per day for at least
seven days, and up to 15 days if COVID symptoms persisted. All of study
participants were also given a single, high dose (100,000 IU) of vitamin D (McCreary, Res Sq Preprint 2021). There is no
evidence that resveratrol supplementation can prevent COVID-19.
Although there are a
number of animal and laboratory studies on the effects of resveratrol on
certain types of cancer, there is very little research on
resveratrol's effects in people with cancer, or for the prevention of cancer.
As noted in one review of the current evidence, "The promising
neurodegenerative and cancer chemopreventive effects
of RES [resveratrol] in animal models have not been yet confirmed in
humans" (Tome-Carneiro, Curr
Pharm Des 2013). In addition, because resveratrol has mild
estrogenic activity, women with estrogen-sensitive cancer should consult a
physician before using (See Concerns and Cautions).
Long-term studies are
needed to confirm these findings. Many clinical trials involving resveratrol are currently
underway.
For more information
about dosage see the ConsumerTips™ section. Also see Concerns and Cautions.
Quality Concerns and
Tests Performed:
As no
government body normally tests resveratrol supplements, ConsumerLab.com
purchased and tested products to determine how much resveratrol they contained,
the chemical form of the resveratrol and whether this matched claims on the
label. Products containing whole herb (as opposed to exclusively extract)
and/or 250 mg or more of minerals per suggested daily serving were also tested
for contamination with lead, cadmium and arsenic, as these can occur in
plant-based supplements. Tablet and caplet products were additionally tested
for their ability to properly break apart for absorption.
What CL Found:
Among the 10 resveratrol supplements ConsumerLab.com selected
and tested, all contained their listed amounts of resveratrol and met other
quality standards and FDA labeling requirements. This is an improvement over
2016 when we discovered a product (not tested this year) in which only 11.8% of
the "resveratrol complex" was resveratrol, and the label failed to
disclose what constituted the remainder of the "complex."
Through ConsumerLab.com's voluntary Quality Certification Program,
in which products undergo the same testing, an additional three products were
found to meet quality standards in the current testing.
None of the products
tested for lead, cadmium, and arsenic exceeded contamination limits.
The resveratrol in all of
the products was found to be trans-resveratrol (as opposed to cis-resveratrol
or a combination of the two), although not all of the products indicated this
on the label, with some listing only "resveratrol." As noted earlier,
trans-resveratrol is the most studied form of resveratrol.
Several products
indicated the source of their resveratrol as an "extract" of Polygonum
cuspidatum root or leaf. Typically
such extracts will contain a small amount of its resveratrol in the natural
glucoside form, i.e., bound to glucose. This was the case for all of the
extracts except for Toniiq, suggesting
that it was a fermented extract (which would remove the glucose), some other
type of highly purified extract or, potentially, synthetic resveratrol — it is
difficult to know for certain. The glucoside form was not found (nor expected)
in products not claiming to be extracts.
Amount of resveratrol in
products
As shown below, the amount of resveratrol that we found per suggested serving
ranged from 106 mg to 618.2 mg, so it is important that you choose and use a
product that provides the dose you want (see ConsumerTips™).
Cost
The cost to obtain 100 mg of trans-resveratrol from the products ranged from
just 5 cents from ResVitale to nearly 30 times as much ($1.40)
from Pure Encapsulations VESIsorb, as
shown below. Pure Encapsulations VESIsorb is
formulated as a "nano-colloid" and includes the solubility
enhancer polysorbate 80, which
can increase the bioavailability of certain ingredients in supplements,
although there does not appear to be a study demonstrating this with regard to
resveratrol.
Some of the other
higher-cost products also contain additional ingredients. Longevinex includes 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 and
other ingredients (See What It Does for studies using Longevinex), including an undisclosed amount of
quercetin. Quercetin, in addition to being an antioxidant, may help to improve
the bioavailability of resveratrol (Gambini, Oxid Med Cell
Longev 2015). A
significant amount of quercetin (150 mg per capsule) is also in Progressive
Professional Trans Resveratrol with Quercetin, although you can get the
same amount of quercetin per capsule in Life Extension Optimized
Resveratrol at lower cost. A smaller amount of quercetin is in ResVitale (40
mg per capsule).
Top Picks:
If it
were not for its unusually high strength (500 mg per capsule), ConsumerLab.com's Top Pick among Approved
products would be ResVitale Resveratrol 500 mg because our
tests showed it to be a true extract (as indicated by the presence of
resveratrol in the glucoside form), which provided resveratrol at much lower
cost than any other product. However, we are concerned by the high dose and
suggest that if you are going to use resveratrol, it may be prudent to use a
product providing about 100 mg to 200 mg. Two such products are our Top
Picks: MRM Nutrition Resveratrol and Puritan's
Pride Resveratrol 100 mg, each of which provides 100 mg of resveratrol
(we actually found a little more) from extract for 15 cents per capsule.
If you want a higher dose
as well as quercetin (which may help with absorption), consider Life
Extension Optimized Resveratrol, which provides 250 mg of resveratrol per
capsule and 150 mg of quercetin for 50 cents per capsule.
Test Results by Product:
Listed
alphabetically below are the test results for 13 resveratrol products. Ten were
selected by ConsumerLab.com and three others (each indicated with a CL flask)
are included for having passed the same evaluation through ConsumerLab.com's Quality Certification Program.
Products listed as
"Approved" met their label claim for resveratrol and ConsumerLab.com's standards for resveratrol products
(See Passing Score). Cost comparisons are found in
the 4th column, notable
features are listed in the 5th column, and the full list of ingredients is available for
each product in the last column.
Results
of ConsumerLab.com Testing of Resveratrol Supplements
(Click arrows or swipe left or right to see
all columns)
Approval Status
Product Name
(Suggested Serving on Label)
Serving Size
Resveratrol Claimed and Foundⓘ
Heavy Metalsⓘ
Pill Sizeⓘ
Suggested Serving
Cost for Suggested Serving
[Cost Per 100 mg of
trans-resveratrol]
Price
Notable Features
Full List of Ingredients
Per Serving
APPROVED
Bulk-
Supplements.com® Resveratrol
Dist. by Bulk-
Supplements.com
1/10th tsp [0.25 g] of powder
250 mg total resveratrol
(from Polygonum cuspidatum (root))
Found:
Trans-resveratrol: 250 mg
Heavy Metals: Pass
Take 250 mg (about 1/10 tsp) once or twice daily, or as directed by a
physician.
Powder in pouch
$0.37 per 1/10th tsp
[$0.15 based on amount claimed and found]
$36.68/0.88 oz [25 g] pouch (approx. 100 servings)
Free of: Added Sugar, Soy,
Dairy, Yeast, Gluten, Additives.
1/10th tsp of powder
Resveratrol (Polygonum cuspidatum) (Root) 250
mg.
Other Ingredients: None.
APPROVED
Life Extension® Optimized
Resveratrol
Dist. by Quality
Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
1 vegetarian capsule
250 mg trans-resveratrol
(from Japanese knotweed (root))
Found:
Trans-resveratrol: 308 mg
Heavy Metals: Pass
Take one (1) capsule daily, or a recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
Large vegetarian capsule
$0.50/vegetarian capsule
[$0.20 based on amount claimed]
[$0.13 based on amount found]
$30.00/60 vegetarian capsules
1 vegetarian capsule
Quercetin 150 mg, grape and wild blueberry blend 85 mg, Fisetin
10 mg
Gluten Free. Non GMO.
1 vegetarian capsule
Trans-Resveratrol [from Japanese knotweed (root)] 250 mg, Quercetin (as
quercetin dihydrate) 150 mg, Grape (fruit) and wild blueberry (fruit) blend
[providing polyphenols, anthocyanins, OPCs] 85 mg, Fisetin
[from wax tree extract (stem)] 10 mg.
Other Ingredients: Vegetable cellulose (capsule), more...
APPROVED
Longevinex®
Dist. by Resveratrol
Partners LLC
1 capsule
100 mg micronized, microencapsulated trans resveratrol
(from Polygonum cuspidatum (leaf))
Found:
Trans-resveratrol: 114.8 mg
Heavy Metals: NA
Take 1 capsule per day with a meal.
Large capsule
$1.17/capsule
[$1.17 based on amount claimed]
[$1.01 based on amount found]
$34.95/30 capsules
1 capsule
Vitamin D3 25 mcg (1,000 IU), rice bran phytate (IP6), quercetin, fisetin, cyclodextrin & nucleotides (in blend)
No alcohol, caffeine, gluten, soy, GMO. Produced under Good Manufacturing
Practices and independently tested to meet purity standards (heavy metals,
pesticides, bacteria and fungi).
1 capsule
Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol) 25 mcg (1,000 IU), Longevinex®
Proprietary Blend [Standardized 85% extract of Giant Knotweed leaf (botanical
name: Polygonum cuspidatum) providing 100
mg of micronized, microencapsulated trans resveratrol per capsule, more...
APPROVED
M98 Resveratrol™
Dist. by RevGenetics LLC
1/4 tsp [0.3 g] of powder
294 mg trans-resveratrol
(from M98 Resveratrol™)
Found:
Trans-resveratrol: 318.8 mg
Heavy Metals: NA
Take 1 unpacked level scoop (1/4 tsp) daily in a drink.
Powder in jar
$0.70 per 1/4 tsp
[$0.24 based on amount claimed]
[$0.22 based on amount found]
$56.25/25 g jar (approx. 80 servings)
No Additives.
1/4 tsp of powder
M98 Resveratrol™ (Standardized 98% Trans-Resveratrol) 300 mg.
Other Ingredients: None.
APPROVED
Top
Pick
MRM Nutrition Resveratrol
Dist. by MRM
1 vegan capsule
100 mg trans-resveratrol
(from Japanese knotweed root extract)
Found:
Trans-resveratrol: 106 mg (including 1.1 mg trans-resveratrol
as glucoside formⓘ)
Heavy Metals: NA
Take 1 capsule per day with or without a meal or as directed by your qualified
healthcare provider.
Medium/large vegan capsule
$0.15/vegan capsule
[$0.15 based on amount claimed]
[$0.14 based on amount found]
$8.99/60 vegan capsules
1 vegan capsule
Red wine extract 100 mg, grape seed extract 50 mg
Certified Vegan Vegan.Org seal. Non GMO Project
Verified seal. Gluten Free. Contains no added milk, egg, peanut, tree nut,
fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, gluten or yeast ingredient.
1 vegan capsule
Japanese Knotweed Root Extract (containing 100 mg trans-resveratrol) 200 mg,
Red Wine Extract (containing 30 mg Polyphenols) 100 mg, Grape Seed Extract
(containing 47.5 mg Proanthocyanidins) 50 mg, more...
APPROVED
Progressive Professional®
Trans Resveratrol With Quercetin
Mfd. by Progressive
Laboratories, Inc.
1 vegetable capsule
125 mg trans-resveratrol
(from ResVinol-25® red wine matrix, grape skin extract, Japanese knotweed root)
Found:
Trans-resveratrol: 128.6 mg (including 0.005 mg
trans-resveratrol as glucoside formⓘ)
Heavy Metals: NA
One vegetable capsule once or twice daily or more, with meals, or as directed
by a doctor.
Large vegetable capsule
$0.70/vegetable capsule
[$0.56 based on amount claimed]
[$0.54 based on amount found]
$42.00/60 vegetable capsules
1 vegetable capsule
Quercetin 150 mg
1 vegetable capsule
Trans-Resveratrol (from ProfileProven™ ResVinol-25®
Red Wine Matrix and Grape Skin Extract and ProfileProven™
Japanese Knotweed Root) 125 mg, Quercetin 150 mg.
Other Ingredients: Rice flour, hypromellose
(vegetable capsule), L-leucine.
APPROVED
Pure Encapsulations®
Resveratrol VESIsorb®
Dist. by Pure
Encapsulations
2 Caplique® capsules
100 mg trans-resveratrol
(from ResVida® resveratrol)
Found:
Trans-resveratrol: 109.4 mg
Heavy Metals: NA
Take 2 Caplique® Capsules daily, with or between
meals.
Large Caplique® capsule
$1.53/2 Caplique®
capsules
[$1.53 based on amount claimed]
[$1.40 based on amount found]
$69.00/90 Caplique® capsules
Gluten-Free.
2 Caplique® capsules
ResVida® resveratrol (as trans-resveratrol) 100 mg.
Other Ingredients: Medium chain triglycerides, polysorbate 80, vegetarian Caplique® Capsule (cellulose, water), polyglycerol fatty
acid esters, silica.
APPROVED
Top
Pick
Puritan's Pride®
Resveratrol 100 mg
Mfd. by Puritan's Pride,
Inc.
1 softgel
100 mg resveratrol
(from Polygonum cuspidatum extract
(root))
Found:
Trans-resveratrol: 109.4 mg (including 0.41 mg
trans-resveratrol as glucoside formⓘ
Heavy Metals: NA
For adults, take one (1) softgel up to two times
daily preferably with meals.
Medium/large softgel
$0.15/softgel
[$0.15 based on amount claimed]
[$0.13 based on amount found]
$17.50/120 softgels
No Artificial Color, Flavor
or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No
Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish, Sodium Free.
1 softgelResveratrol
(from Polygonum cuspidatum Extract
(root)) 100 mg.Other
Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin. Contains <2% of:
Natural Caramel Color, Silica, Titanium Dioxide Color, Yellow Beeswax.
APPROVED
ResVitale Resveratrol 500
mg
Dist. by Resvitale®
1 veggie capsule
500 mg trans-resveratrol
(from resveratrol polyphenol complex™)
Found:
Trans-resveratrol: 535.9 mg (including 2 mg of
trans-resveratrol as glucoside formⓘ
Heavy Metals: Pass
Take 1 capsule daily.
Very large veggie capsule
$0.29/veggie capsule
[$0.06 based on amount claimed]
[$0.05 based on amount found]
$34.39/4 pack of 30 veggie capsules bottles (120 veggie capsules total)
1 veggie capsule
Quercetin 40 mg, organic French whole red wine grape & certified organic
muscadine whole red grape (in blend)
Gluten-Free. Vegan.
1 veggie capsule
Resveratrol Polyphenol Complex™ [Wildcrafted Japanese Knotweed Extract (Polygonum
cuspidatum) (root and rhizome) (standardized to
contain 500 mg of trans-Resveratrol), Organic French Whole Red Wine Grape (Vitis
vinifera), more...
APPROVED
Solgar® Resveratrol 500 mg
Mfd. by Solgar,
Inc.
1 vegetable capsule
500 mg trans-resveratrol
(from Polygonum cuspidatum (root))
Found:
Trans-resveratrol: 497.5 mg (including 1.1 mg
trans-resveratrol as glucoside formⓘ)
Heavy Metals: Pass
As a dietary supplement for adults, take one (1) vegetable capsule daily,
preferably with a meal, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Large vegetable capsule
$1.05/vegetable capsule
[$0.21 based on amount claimed and found]
$31.49/30 vegetable capsules
Suitable For Vegetarians.
Free Of: Gluten, Wheat, Dairy, Soy, Yeast, Sugar, Sodium, Artificial Flavor,
Sweetener, Preservative and Color.
1 vegetable capsule
Trans-Resveratrol (from 714 mg [Polygonum cuspidatum]
[root]) 500 mg.
Other Ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silica.
APPROVED
Spring Valley™ [Walmart]
Resveratrol 250 mg
Dist. by Wal-Mart Stores,
Inc.
1 softgel
250 mg resveratrol
(from Polygonum cuspidatum extract
(root))
Found:
Trans-resveratrol: 234.9 mg (including 1.9 mg
trans-resveratrol as glucoside formⓘ)
Heavy Metals: NA
Adults, take one softgel daily, preferably with a
meal.
Large softgel
$0.30/softgel
[$0.12 based on amount claimed]
[$0.13 based on amount found]
$8.88/30 softgels
1 softgel
Red wine extract 10 mg
No Gluten, Yeast, Wheat, Milk or Milk Derivatives, Lactose, Sugar,
Preservatives, Artificial Flavor, Sodium (less than 5 mg per serving).
Precaution: Contains Soy.
1 softgel
Calories 10, Total Fat 0.5 g, Total Carbohydrate <1 g, Resveratrol
(from Polygonum cuspidatum extract
(root)) 250 mg, Red Wine Extract (Vitis vinifera) (grape skin) 10 mg.
Other Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, more...
APPROVED
Appears to be a highly
processed extract
Toniiq Resveratrol
Dist. by Toniiq LLC
2 capsules
600 (588) mg resveratrol (trans resveratrol)
(from Polygonum cuspidatum root
extract)
Found:
Trans-resveratrol: 618.2 mg (No trans-resveratrol glucoside foundⓘ)
Heavy Metals: NA
Take 2 capsules daily as a dietary supplement or as recommended by your healthcare
professional.
Large capsule
$0.67/2 capsules
[$0.11 based on amount claimed and found]
$19.97/60 capsules
None.
2 capsules
Resveratrol (Std. to 98% Pure Trans-Resveratrol; from Polygonum cuspidatum Root Extract) 600 mg.
Other Ingredients: Vegetable Capsule (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose), Vegetable
Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate & Silicon Dioxide.
APPROVED
Vitamin World® Maximum
Strength Resveratrol 500 mg
Dist. by Vitamin World USA
Corporation
1 capsule
500 mg resveratrol
(from Polygonum cuspidatum extract
(root))
Found:
Trans-resveratrol: 548.5 mg (including 0.45 mg
trans-resveratrol as glucoside formⓘ)
Heavy Metals: NA
For adults, take one (1) capsule up to two times daily, preferably with meals.
Large capsule
$1.22/capsule
[$0.24 based on amount claimed]
[$0.22 based on amount found]
$72.99/60 capsules
No Artificial Color, Flavor
or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No
Soy, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish, Sodium Free.
1 capsule
Resveratrol (from Polygonum cuspidatum Extract
(root)) 500 mg.
Other Ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose. Contains <2% of: Silica, Vegetable
Magnesium Stearate.
Unless otherwise noted, information about the products listed
above is based on the samples purchased by ConsumerLab.com (CL) for this
Product Review. Manufacturers may change ingredients and label information at
any time, so be sure to check labels carefully when evaluating the products you use or buy. If a product's ingredients differ
from what is listed above, it may not necessarily be of the same quality as
what was tested.
The information contained in this report is based on the
compilation and review of information from product labeling and analytic
testing. CL applies what it believes to be the most appropriate testing methods
and standards. The information in this report does not reflect the opinion or
recommendation of CL, its officers or employees. CL cannot assure the accuracy
of information.
Copyright ConsumerLab.com, LLC, 2021 All rights reserved. Not to
be reproduced, excerpted, or cited in any fashion without the express written
permission of ConsumerLab.com LLC
ConsumerTips™:
Be aware that some products label their
resveratrol in micrograms (µg or mcg) rather than milligrams
(mg). This can make the amount look large, but there are 1,000 micrograms
in 1 milligram. For a product that promises 100 µg per pill, you
would need to take 1,000 pills to get a 100 mg dose.
Dosages for resveratrol
of known benefit and safety in people have not been established. A leading
resveratrol researcher, Dr. David Sinclair at Harvard Medical School, is noted
as having taken 5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day — about 350 mg for the
average adult, without notable short-term adverse effects.
A study
in 2011 suggests that an even lower dose (150 mg/day) has activity in people (Timmers, Cell
Metabolism 2011). Similarly, a dose of 200 mg per day
(divided into two doses taken with meals) appeared to improve glucose
metabolism as some aspects of memory (Witte, J Neurosci 2014).
See the What It Does section for more about these
studies.
Some resveratrol products may contain pterostilbene,
a chemically related antioxidant compound found in grapes, blueberries, and
heartwood (Pterocarpus marsupium). Due to its chemical structure,
pterostilbene may be more bioavailable than resveratrol when taken orally (Kapetanovic, Cancer Chemother Pharmacol
2011). However, many of its proposed benefits (e.g., reducing
inflammation, improving cognition and memory, lowering blood sugar and
cholesterol) have only been demonstrated in laboratory and animal studies.
Furthermore, in a study in people, a daily dose of either 100 mg or 250 mg of
pterostilbene (pTeroPure, by Chromadex, which funded the study) taken for 6 to 8 weeks
was found to significantly increase total and LDL ("bad")
cholesterol in people with high cholesterol (≥ 200 mg/dL),
although the higher dose resulted in a modest decrease in systolic and
diastolic blood pressure (Riche, Evid Based Comp Altern Med 2014). A
separately published safety analysis (also sponsored by ChromaDex)
using the same study data, found no other adverse effects and concluded
pterostilbene was safe to take up to doses of 250 mg (Riche, J Toxicol 2013).
Concerns and Cautions:
·
Short-term studies of resveratrol in healthy volunteers have
shown no serious side-effects, but the long-term safety of resveratrol has not
been well evaluated. However, a study in patients with multiple myeloma was
suspended in 2010 due to "unexpected safety events" (see posting
on ClinicalTrials.gov).
That study used a proprietary formulation of resveratrol with improved
bioavailability, known as SRT501 (an experimental drug not sold as a
supplement). The problem that stopped the study was cast nephropathy, a type of
kidney damage that can occur with multiple myeloma (Smoliga,
J Gerontology 2011).
·
Resveratrol may blunt some of the positive effects of exercise
training, according to two studies. In one, men in their sixties who were
healthy but not physically active were given 250 mg of trans-resveratrol or a
placebo daily for 8 weeks during which they performed high-intensity exercise
training, such as cycling. By the end of the 8 weeks, both groups experienced
improvements in athletic ability and a reduction in body fat. However, only the
placebo group experienced a decrease in blood pressure (5 mmHg) and
improvements in cholesterol levels (LDL, total cholesterol/HDL ratio, and
triglyceride concentrations), as well as a greater increase in maximal oxygen
uptake. Among possible explanations for these findings, the researchers
speculate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are normally formed during
exercise trigger some positive changes, such as increased oxygen uptake, but
resveratrol's antioxidant capability may remove ROS, preventing this chain of
events (Gliemann, J Physiol 2013).
As ROS can also cause free radicals that damage cells, this study seems to
reflect the balance between the potentially harmful and helpful effects of
supplementing with antioxidants. Further evidence of a lack of benefit with
resveratrol during training comes from a study of young men (average age, 22)
who performed high intensity interval training (HIIT) three days per week for 4
weeks, while taking either resveratrol (150 mg of 99% trans-resveratrol (resVida) once daily with breakfast on non-training
days and 15 minutes after completion of exercise on training days) or a placebo
(Scribbans, Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2014).
Men who took the placebo had significant increases in peak aerobic power and
training-induced increases in skeletal muscle gene expression, including SIRT1, compared to the
men who took resveratrol, leading the researchers to conclude that resveratrol
may interfere with the positive effects of high intensity exercise. (See
the What It Does section for information
about another study using resVida
resveratrol).
·
Resveratrol (particularly the trans- form) has mild estrogenic
activity that has not been evaluated in humans. Until more is known, women with
estrogen-sensitive conditions, including some cancers, are advised to consult a
physician before taking resveratrol.
·
Laboratory and animal studies suggest resveratrol may affect
thyroid function, although this has not been studied in people. In rats, large
doses (25 mg/kg) of resveratrol has been shown to
increase levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and cause thyroid
enlargement (goiter) (Giuliani, Food Chem Toxicol 2017). Until more is known, people with thyroid
disease or those taking thyroid medication should use resveratrol with caution.
·
Particularly due to potential anti-growth factor properties,
resveratrol should not be used by children or by woman who are pregnant,
nursing or trying to conceive.
·
Resveratrol may reduce the activity of enzymes involved with
drug metabolism. Whether resveratrol interferes with drug therapies in humans
has not been studied, and individuals taking prescription medications are
advised to consult a physician before taking resveratrol because of potential
drug interactions.
·
Because resveratrol demonstrates anti-platelet (blood-thinning)
activity, individuals taking blood thinners are strongly advised to consult a
physician before taking resveratrol because of potential drug interactions.
·
If not highly purified, resveratrol derived from Japanese
knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) may contain
the compound emodin. It has been suggested that emodin may have a laxative
effect, but this has not been established.
Information on this site
is provided for informational purposes only. It is not an endorsement of any
product nor is it meant to substitute for the advice provided by physicians or
other healthcare professionals. The information contained herein should not be
used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Consumers should
inform their healthcare providers of the dietary supplements they take.
Latest Clinical Research Updates for Resveratrol (Red Wine,
Knotweed and Other Sources)
9/24/2021
A recent study gave
resveratrol to people with mild COVID. Find out if it reduced hospitalization,
ER visits or pneumonia in the What It Does section of our Resveratrol
Supplements Review.
See information about the use of other supplements for COVID.
Resveratrol and Insulin Sensitivity
10/16/2020
Can resveratrol improve
insulin sensitivity or lower blood sugar levels in people who are overweight?
See what a new study showed in the What It Does section of our
Resveratrol Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for resveratrol.
9/08/2020
Can resveratrol decrease
menopausal symptoms in women? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section
of the Resveratrol Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for resveratrol.
4/11/2020
A new study evaluated the
effects of resveratrol on cognitive functioning in postmenopausal women. Find
out if it helped in the What It Does section
of the Resveratrol Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for resveratrol.
6/09/2018
Does taking resveratrol
improve memory in older men and women? See the results of the most recent study
in the What It Does section
of the Resveratrol Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among resveratrol supplements.
Related CL Answers (12)