Resveratrol: Can It Support Longevity?
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in grapes, berries, peanuts, and several plants. It has attracted attention because it shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory and animal research, and because it may influence cellular pathways associated with aging (often discussed alongside “calorie restriction mimetics”).
What the evidence suggests (and what it does not)
- Mechanistic promise: Resveratrol can affect signaling pathways related to oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Human evidence is mixed: Trials vary widely in dose, duration, and outcomes, so results are not consistent.
- Not a “life extension pill”: No supplement has proven to extend human lifespan in robust, long-term randomized trials.
Potential cognitive and mood effects
Some human studies report changes in cerebral blood flow and modest improvements in specific cognitive measures in certain populations (often older adults), but results are not uniform. Differences in study design and bioavailability likely contribute.
Safety and interactions
Resveratrol is generally well tolerated at common supplemental doses, but higher doses can cause gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., nausea, diarrhea) and may interact with medications via effects on drug-metabolizing enzymes.
Bioavailability: why formulation matters
Pure resveratrol has relatively low bioavailability. Some formulations attempt to improve absorption (e.g., combinations with other compounds or specialized delivery systems). The clinical significance of “enhanced bioavailability” is still being studied.
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