Truserv
Also known as: Resveratrol, 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene, Truserv
Overview
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in various plants, including grapes, red wine, berries, and peanuts. It is widely recognized for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As a dietary supplement, it is primarily used to support cardiovascular health, leverage its anti-inflammatory effects, and potentially offer metabolic benefits. Extensive research, including numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, has investigated its effects. The evidence quality for many of its purported benefits ranges from moderate to high, though some outcomes show mixed results, indicating the need for further targeted research. It is available in various forms, with trans-resveratrol being the most studied and preferred for its stability and bioactivity.
Benefits
Resveratrol offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health. A meta-analysis of 17 RCTs demonstrated that resveratrol significantly improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD) by 1.43% (95% CI: 0.98 to 1.88, p < 0.001), indicating enhanced vascular endothelial function, which is crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases. This improvement in FMD is considered clinically relevant, as even small changes correlate with reduced cardiovascular risk. The same meta-analysis also showed a significant decrease in intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by -7.09 ng/ml (95% CI: -7.45 to -6.73, p < 0.001), suggesting beneficial anti-inflammatory effects on the vasculature. While a systematic review and meta-analysis found a possible reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, resveratrol did not consistently show significant changes in other inflammatory markers like IL-6 or TNF-α. Cardiovascular patients, especially those with endothelial dysfunction, may benefit most from resveratrol supplementation. The effects on inflammation might vary based on individual factors such as sex, obesity status, and age. Benefits are typically observed within 4-12 weeks of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Resveratrol exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. Primarily, it functions as a powerful antioxidant, scavenging harmful free radicals and reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. It also modulates various inflammatory pathways, contributing to its anti-inflammatory properties. A key mechanism involves improving endothelial nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, which leads to enhanced vasodilation and improved blood flow, crucial for cardiovascular health. At a molecular level, resveratrol has been shown to downregulate adhesion molecules like ICAM-1, reducing inflammation and improving vascular function. It is also thought to modulate the activity of sirtuins, a class of proteins involved in cellular health and longevity. Oral bioavailability of resveratrol can be low due to rapid metabolism, which influences its effectiveness.
Side effects
Resveratrol is generally well-tolerated when consumed at doses typically used in clinical trials. The most commonly reported side effects are mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which may include nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhea. These effects are usually transient and tend to occur more frequently with higher doses. A significant concern is its potential interaction with certain medications. Resveratrol may exhibit blood-thinning effects, and therefore, caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) or antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel), as concurrent use could increase the risk of bleeding. Individuals with known bleeding disorders should also exercise caution or avoid resveratrol supplementation. There is limited data regarding the safety of resveratrol in special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women and children, and therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision. While doses up to 1 gram per day have been generally considered safe in short-term studies, higher doses require careful monitoring due to the increased potential for side effects and interactions.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of resveratrol varies depending on the desired effect and individual response, but studies showing benefits typically use doses ranging from 150 mg to 500 mg per day. For improving endothelial function and reducing inflammation, a common and effective dosage observed in randomized controlled trials is between 250 mg and 500 mg daily. While doses up to 1 gram per day have been used in some short-term studies and are generally considered safe, higher dosages should be approached with caution and under medical guidance. To optimize absorption, it is often recommended to take resveratrol with meals. The trans-resveratrol form is generally preferred due to its greater stability and bioactivity compared to the cis-form. There is no established upper limit for long-term use, but exceeding 1 gram per day may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects and potential drug interactions.
FAQs
Is resveratrol effective for heart health?
Yes, evidence supports that resveratrol can modestly improve endothelial function, a crucial factor for cardiovascular health, and may reduce markers of vascular inflammation.
Does resveratrol reduce inflammation?
Resveratrol may reduce C-reactive protein (CRP), a systemic inflammation marker, and specific vascular inflammatory markers, but its effects on other inflammatory cytokines are inconsistent.
Are there safety concerns with resveratrol?
Generally safe, but caution is advised if you are taking blood thinners due to potential interactions. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort can occur, especially at higher doses.
How soon can I expect to see effects from resveratrol?
Benefits from resveratrol supplementation typically become noticeable within a few weeks to a few months of consistent daily use, as observed in clinical studies.
What is the best form of resveratrol to take?
The trans-resveratrol form is generally preferred for its higher stability and greater bioactivity, making it the most studied and effective form in supplements.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35833325/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials found that resveratrol supplementation significantly improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD) by 1.43% and decreased intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). These findings suggest that resveratrol enhances vascular endothelial function and has anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to cardiovascular health.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30013206/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of resveratrol on inflammatory markers. It concluded that resveratrol might reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, but did not find significant changes in interleukin-6 (IL-6) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), indicating a selective anti-inflammatory effect.
Supplements Containing Truserv
Bone Broth plus Greens Natural Chicken Flavor
Giant Sports International
GREENS Arnold Palmer
Core Nutritionals
GREENS Berry Bliss
Core Nutritionals
GREENS Chocolate Decadence
Core Nutritionals
GREENS Grape Candy
Core Nutritionals
GREENS Vanilla Bean
Core Nutritionals
GREENS Berry Bliss Sample
Core Nutritionals
GREENS Chocolate Decadence Sample
Core Nutritionals