Introduction
In this episode of the *Nutrition Facts* Podcast, Dr. Michael Greger delves into the research surrounding Resveratrol, a compound commonly found in red wine that has been touted for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. This episode is part two of the series, where Dr. Greger explores whether Resveratrol lives up to the hype or if the scientific claims are overstated. Through an evidence-based approach, he discusses Resveratrol’s potential benefits, its limitations, and some surprising findings about its effects on brain health and physical performance.
Key Takeaways
- Resveratrol and Brain Shrinkage: Studies show that Resveratrol may triple the rate of age-related brain shrinkage in certain cases.
- Inflammation and Joint Disease: The effects of Resveratrol on inflammation are inconsistent, with some studies showing modest benefits, while others show no significant impact.
- Exercise and Resveratrol: Resveratrol supplementation may blunt some of the positive effects of exercise, reducing gains in cardiovascular health and aerobic fitness.
Key Points
Resveratrol’s Effects on Inflammation
Dr. Greger begins by addressing Resveratrol’s potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. While some studies in rats and mice suggest that Resveratrol can help alleviate inflammation, particularly in conditions like periodontal disease and inflammatory bowel disease, human studies tell a different story. In humans, the evidence is sparse and conflicting. For example, while a pilot study found that 500 milligrams of Resveratrol helped reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, other studies have failed to demonstrate any significant impact on chronic inflammatory conditions, such as periodontitis.
Dr. Greger also highlights research on joint diseases, where Resveratrol showed some promise in improving pain and function in individuals with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. However, these findings were based on small pilot studies, and the results remain inconclusive. It’s clear that while Resveratrol may offer benefits in specific cases, it is far from a universal remedy for inflammatory diseases.
Impact on Menopausal Symptoms and Bone Health
Another area of interest is Resveratrol’s effects on menopausal symptoms and bone health. Dr. Greger discusses a study where postmenopausal women who took 75 milligrams of Resveratrol twice daily reported fewer physical menopausal symptoms, such as aches and pains, and an overall improvement in well-being compared to a placebo group. While this suggests potential benefits for menopausal women, the evidence for Resveratrol’s impact on bone health is less promising. Despite animal studies showing protective effects on bone tissue, human trials found no significant improvements in bone density or quality.
Dr. Greger also explores the cognitive effects of Resveratrol. While studies in animal models have shown positive outcomes for brain function, meta-analyses of human trials suggest that Resveratrol has no significant impact on memory, processing speed, or overall cognitive performance. This has led some researchers to conclude that Resveratrol may be a cognitive enhancer only for mice, with limited benefits for humans.
Resveratrol and Brain Health
One of the more surprising findings discussed in the podcast is the potential negative impact of Resveratrol on brain health. In one study involving Alzheimer’s patients, Resveratrol was found to triple the rate of brain volume loss compared to a placebo. The same result was observed in another randomized, double-blind study, leading researchers to question whether this brain shrinkage could be a side effect of Resveratrol supplementation. While some attempted to explain this as a reduction in brain swelling, Dr. Greger notes that it’s difficult to view these effects as beneficial.
Despite these concerning findings, there was some evidence to suggest that Resveratrol might offer cognitive benefits in Alzheimer’s patients. However, subsequent studies with higher doses of Resveratrol failed to show significant improvements in cognition or daily functioning, casting further doubt on its effectiveness for brain health.
Exercise and Resveratrol: A Surprising Downside
Dr. Greger also discusses the interaction between Resveratrol supplementation and exercise. While animal studies have shown that Resveratrol can enhance physical performance and cardiovascular health, human trials paint a different picture. In older men, Resveratrol supplementation appeared to reduce the benefits of exercise, including a diminished reduction in blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides. The study also found that Resveratrol blunted improvements in aerobic fitness, with participants experiencing a 45% lower increase in maximum aerobic capacity compared to those taking a placebo.
This unexpected finding suggests that Resveratrol may actually impair the body’s ability to adapt to exercise, particularly in older adults. While the reasons for this are still being investigated, Dr. Greger explains that Resveratrol’s impact on mitochondrial function may play a role. These findings challenge the popular notion that Resveratrol is a beneficial supplement for enhancing physical performance.
Resveratrol and Safety Concerns
In the final segment of the episode, Dr. Greger addresses the safety of Resveratrol supplementation. While Resveratrol is generally considered safe at doses of up to 450 milligrams per day, higher doses can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. There have also been reports of kidney toxicity in cancer patients taking very high doses of Resveratrol. Dr. Greger cautions that while Resveratrol may be beneficial for certain conditions, such as diabetic foot ulcers and ulcerative colitis, it’s important to monitor cholesterol levels closely, as some studies have shown that Resveratrol can increase LDL cholesterol.
He also warns that Resveratrol may not be suitable for individuals with cardiovascular conditions, as some animal studies have shown that it can promote atherosclerosis in rabbits. While these findings are not conclusive, they highlight the need for more research into the long-term safety of Resveratrol supplementation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Greger provides a thorough and balanced assessment of Resveratrol’s potential benefits and risks. While Resveratrol shows promise in certain areas, such as reducing menopausal symptoms and improving specific inflammatory conditions, the evidence for its broader use is weak. Its impact on brain health and exercise performance raises concerns about its safety and efficacy, particularly for healthy individuals.
Dr. Greger emphasizes the importance of focusing on proven, evidence-based interventions, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, rather than relying on supplements like Resveratrol that lack robust support from human trials. His message is clear: while Resveratrol may work for some, it’s not the miracle supplement that it’s often made out to be.