Resveratrol

What does the research say?

Research suggests that Resveratrol may play a role in preventing muscle loss and improving muscle function, particularly in conditions like sarcopenic obesity (age-related muscle loss combined with obesity) [5] . Studies in aged rats have shown that Resveratrol can prevent high-fat diet-induced muscle atrophy by improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress [5] . In cell studies, it has been shown to prevent palmitate acid-induced muscle atrophy in L6 myotubes [5] . Resveratrol also promotes a shift from fast-twitch to slow-twitch muscle fibers, which are more resistant to dystrophy and may help in conditions like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy [6] . In elderly animals with sarcopenia, Resveratrol improves muscle mass and function, enhances muscle fiber cross-sectional area, contributes to satellite cell proliferation, and stimulates protein synthesis while inhibiting protein degradation [8] . However, some studies suggest that Resveratrol does not mitigate sarcopenia [8] or might blunt some positive effects of exercise in older individuals [1] . Additionally, one study found that Resveratrol did not add benefit to nicotinamide riboside (NR) alone in improving 6-min walk distance in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and did not result in significant improvements in muscle fiber type or NAD+ abundance in gastrocnemius muscle [9] . Therefore, while Resveratrol shows promise in preclinical studies and certain conditions, its effectiveness in building muscle mass in healthy individuals is not yet clearly established, and more research, especially in humans, is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Gastrointestinal symptoms

High doses (around 2000 mg twice daily) can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues [1] .

Liver dysfunction

Serious adverse effects, including liver dysfunction, have been reported in clinical trials with very high doses (e.g., 5 g/day) [3] .

Diarrhea

Participants taking Resveratrol in combination with nicotinamide riboside reported higher rates of diarrhea [9] .

Nausea

Resveratrol in combination with nicotinamide riboside can increase nausea [9] .

[1] Resveratrol and Its Effects on the Vascular System.

This review discusses Resveratrol's effects on the vascular system, highlighting its ability to alleviate oxidative stress, inflammation, and improve endothelial function. It also touches on its potential to enhance aerobic capacity in muscles.

[2] Mitochondria and Critical Illness.

This review describes Resveratrol as a potent sirtuin 1 activator that enhances mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolic capacity. It mentions Resveratrol's protective effects in animal models of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and muscle disease.

[3] Resveratrol against Cervical Cancer: Evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

This review focuses on Resveratrol's anticancer properties but also mentions the potential side effects of high doses, including gastrointestinal issues and liver dysfunction.

[4] SIRT1 activation attenuates cardiac fibrosis by endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

This study investigates the role of SIRT1 activation by Resveratrol in reducing cardiac fibrosis. It highlights the mechanism involving the regulation of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition via the TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway.

[5] Resveratrol prevents sarcopenic obesity by reversing mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress via the PKA/LKB1/AMPK pathway.

This study demonstrates that Resveratrol prevents muscle loss and improves muscle function in aged rats with sarcopenic obesity by enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress.

[6] Resveratrol and Myopathy.

This review discusses Resveratrol's role in improving mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in skeletal muscle, particularly in conditions like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

[7] Resveratrol and Vascular Function.

This review explores how Resveratrol improves vascular function by enhancing nitric oxide production, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating immune cell function.

[8] Resveratrol and Vitamin D: Eclectic Molecules Promoting Mitochondrial Health in Sarcopenia.

This review highlights Resveratrol's role in preventing muscle wasting and improving muscle mass and function, particularly in aged muscle tissue. It discusses the modulation of cellular metabolism and protection against cellular stress.

[9] Nicotinamide riboside for peripheral artery disease: the NICE randomized clinical trial.

This clinical trial found that Resveratrol did not add benefit to nicotinamide riboside in improving walking distance in people with peripheral artery disease and reported higher rates of diarrhea and nausea in participants taking Resveratrol with nicotinamide riboside.

[10] Effects and safety of resveratrol supplementation in older adults: A comprehensive systematic review.

This systematic review analyzed the effects and safety of RSV supplementation in older adults, finding that RSV, especially when combined with exercise, can improve exercise adaptation, muscle function, and physical performance in those with functional limitations. It also noted potential neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's patients and positive impacts on cognitive function in overweight individuals, though high doses increased some cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers. The review concluded that RSV could enhance health parameters in age-related conditions but emphasized the need for further research on optimal dosages, long-term effects, and interactions with medications.