My Resveratrol Experience

Resveratrol - A Compilation of User Reported Side Effects!

2009-11-12T21:59:42-05:00

The most commonly searched information by people who are looking to take, or already take, resveratrol is information on side effects. Since research to date on humans is limited, officially reported side effects are virtually non-existent.

Throughout this website there are user comments posted that are personal accounts regarding individual resveratrol usage experiences. Some of these accounts detail negative side effects, others positive, and some a little of both. I wanted to make it easier for these accounts to be found and have created this post to detail many of those accounts. Yu will find some posts highlighted below along with links to other articles on this site specific to side effects.

Please keep in mind these are user experiences and have not been backed by scientific evidence. However, I feel it is important information to share and urge those to share their own resveratrol side effects (good and bad) in the comment section below.

Important Links:

Share Your Resveratrol Experience
Stomach Sensitivity & Resveratrol
Side Effects Aren't Always Negative, are they?
Resveratrol Side Effects Are Anecdotal At Best - Both The Positive & The Negative!
Side Effects of Resveratrol: A User Compilation! (Part 1)
Resveratrol Side Effects: User Feedback, The Positives! (Part 2)

A Few Random Comments:

Maxine commented on July 18, 2009

"I am 63 years female with diabetes... I cut my foot on a piece of broken glass in the kitchen about three weeks ago and have been puzzled about how quickly it healed. Occasionally I think about it and wonder why. Just today I was trying to figure out which foot was cut. It was not until I read the comment by one of respondents that I realized that the resveratrol was the reason."

Cindy commented on June 4, 2009

"... I started taking a 200 mg supplement of Resveratrol. While I noticed a up tick in my energy level I also noticed that my wrists ankles and knees started to ache....much like when the weather is bad..."

L.W.F. commented on July 11, 2009

"...Men usually find it difficult to talk about prostate cancer but I want to share this, in the event that there is some substance to the benefits of Resveratrol. I dealt with my cancer in April 2002. Brachytherapy was the chosen route to deal with this problem. The medical team keeps me on a six month PSA review. The PSA over the years has been holding in the .24 area,which is low, except I always felt it should be lower. I didn't want this coming back. I started taking Resveratrol about 6 weeks ago and just had another PSA reading. Much to my surprise the PSA has dropped to .14. Good news for me and I wanted to share this as there is no other known reason."

Pdiddy commented on September 27, 2009

"...I got severe back and side pains that lasted all day, and only stopped when I went off of it. Maybe because I started off at 125 mg? But on the positive side, I am a type 1 diabetic, and my blood sugar levels stabilized like crazy! I also received a turbo boost energy wise. But the back pains were too much."

Julie commented on October 27, 2009

"Right away I noticed I was only able to sleep about 2 hours at a time (I was already suffering from severe insomnia and inability to sleep longer than 5.5 hrs per night on my best nights, for the past 2 1/2 years or so). The next thing I noticed was I hardly need to eat anymore! I love this, but I have not lost an ounce so far. My goal is to lose 15-20 lbs. The other side effect I noticed was a soreness in my achilles tendons, particularly as I lay in bed at night, trying to sleep or go back to sleep, and a very unpleasant pulsating pain in my right groin, where the adductor muscle attaches to the tendon in my hip area. That has stopped, mercifully. I'm also having pain and tightness in my other hip (where the femur attaches to the hip bone) after I use a treadmill, which I do for an hour, though this becomes less severe if I manage to get to the gym more frequently than twice a week."

ResForum.org - A Newly Launched Resveratrol Website by Dr. David Sinclair & Dr. Mark Boguski

2009-11-04T20:10:50-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of communicating with Dr. Mark Boguski regarding a new project he and Dr. David Sinclair, have begun working on. In response to the growing concerns regarding a lack of quality resveratrol information on-line, both Sinclair and Boguski have launched an informative web site, ResForum.org.

ResForum.org provides information about resveratrol in an "easy to understand" format starting with, what is in my opinion, a must read e-book titled, "The Resveratrol Fact Book: Your Questions Answered." The e-book is well written and provides useful facts and also dispels some common resveratrol myths.

As the name states, ResForum.org, also provides visitors with a forum where people can share personal experiences and exchange information about resveratrol. The community is young, but already showing promise as a reliable source of information sharing. I recommend ResForum.org to anyone interested in learning more about resveratrol.

About The Site Owners:

David Sinclair, Ph.D., is well respected in the aging research field with over 40 peer reviewed publications. He is the co-founder of Sirtris Pharmaceuticals (recently acquired by GlaxoSmithKline) and currently sits on their Scientific Advisory Board. Sinclair is also a Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and a director at Glenn Laboratories for the Biological Mechanisms of Aging. (more about David Sinclair)

Mark Boguski, M.D., Ph.D., like his partner above, is on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and also the Department of Pathology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Dr. Boguski has served on the board or consulted for numerous companies such as Merck & Co. and Orion Genomics. (more about Dr. Mark Boguski)

Resveratrol Personal Update: Breaks, Sickness, and Continuation

2009-11-01T22:05:55-05:00

Regular "My Resveratrol Experience" updates will resume!

In some of my previous articles I mentioned my supplement regimen, including how much resveratrol I take. Part of this regimen is that I like to take a break from all supplements every 2-3 months. In the beginning of October I decided to take an extended break from resveratrol and the vitamins I am taking. Wouldn't you know... I ended up with a sinus infection and bronchitis beginning in the middle of October.

Now this could all just be a case of coincidence, but it certainly got me thinking. I haven't been sick with anything more than a sniffle in over two years. During this two year time period I began "getting" healthy again which included working out, an improved diet, taking resveratrol, and adding vitamins to my diet. Needless to say I wish there were a way to tell if not taking the resveratrol or vitamins was the cause of me getting sick this month. I guess I'll never know for sure!

Since I have not provided a personal update in a long time I want to recap what I have been doing with my health plan lately. I have continued to eat fairly well. I have a realistic diet that enables me to eat foods I enjoy while maintaining a balance with healthy foods.

Prior to my supplement break I was taking 500mg of 99% Micronized Resveratrol in powder form mixed with juice in the morning. However, I am going to switch back to capsule form simply because it is easier and less time consuming. I will be taking 250mg on non workout days and 500mg on the days I train. I also take a multi-vitamin twice per day.

Prior to the bronchitis I was feeling extremely healthy. I had energy, mental clarity, and was making positive gains in the gym. I can't attribute this to resveratrol for sure, but I feel like it does have something to do with my progress.

I will be getting back to releasing regular articles on a weekly basis. If any important news comes out I will be sure to post it here for your viewing pleasure. As always, please feel free to contribute to the site by asking questions, sharing your own experience, or helping out one another.

Live Longer,

Markus

Resveratrol & Type II Diabetes: New Research

2009-10-24T14:47:24-04:00

Recently, research from UT Southwestern led by Dr. Roberto Coppari, showed that when resveratrol was directly injected into rats fed a high caloric and fat laden diet showed a decrease in insulin level while those on the placebo injection actually showed an increase. This research was different than the research we have seen in the past because in this study the resveratrol was injected directly into the brain. Researchers in this study felt there was not enough evidence to suggest that oral consumption of resveratrol from red wine or supplements would deliver the same effect because the resveratrol does not pass from the blood stream into the brain.

This new research provides direction for further research and for companies looking to create resveratrol based drugs to battle diseases of aging, such as Sirtris Pharmaceuticals and Elixir Pharmaceuticals. They can now focus on finding ways to get the resveratrol to pass from the blood stream into the brain. The study authors further claim that these findings also show that resveratrol activates sirtuins in the brain which may also be responsible for the calorie restriction mimetic effect of resveratrol.

We are still a long way from knowing exactly how and why resveratrol works and if this can be replicated in humans. The good news is there are highly reputable Doctors and Researchers currently working on figuring out how to increase our lifespan while living healthier at the same time.

Live Longer,

Markus

New Resveratrol Scam Alert: What Looks Like News Isn't Always News!

2009-08-23T20:48:53-04:00

Deceptive New Marketing Techniques Takeover The Internet Supplement Market!

In the world of sales, whether on-line or offline, misleading the consumer is not an uncommon practice. The newest misleading sales technique is the "fake" Breaking News web-page.

The website is created to look like an official "news" website written by "real" reporters. The sites often have names that resemble the real local news companies in your area. For instance one might see a website with a news report regarding the medical breakthrough of resveratrol on www.WXKU6.com (example only).

These sites look professional, have traditional news media images and videos, and feel just like the real thing. The problem is these sites are nothing more than a sales tool used to sell you a product. This new tactic has unfortunately hit the resveratrol and supplement markets. Consumers need to question the validity of the reports and news they read.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now stepping in and creating new legislation for the on-line markets. The days of using celebrities names without their permission and using deceptive marketing practices are over. (well until the crafty marketers figure out ways to get around the legislation) The celebrities are also fighting back with many suing these supplement manufacturers directly. Oprah Winfrey's company Harpo recently sued resveratrol manufactures who used her name to help market resveratrol products. (See Business Week Article)

More importantly you need to protect yourself and be diligent about the products you purchase on-line. If something is offer to you for FREE make sure you read the "fine print." As we all know just about anything good in life is not free. You have to pay for it one way or another. Good products cost money to make and money to buy.

Do your best to protect yourself from the bad seeds and protect your hard earned money. Buy quality well respected products and always DO YOUR RESEARCH!

Live Longer,

Markus

Resveratrol's Popularity Hits the Mainstream!

2009-07-28T22:43:02-04:00

Is the growth and popularity of resveratrol a good thing?

I was recently standing in the check-out line of a local convenience store when I heard the word "Resveratrol" from a conversation between two people in an adjacent line. I could not make out exactly what they were talking about but this wasn't the first time I've heard the "word" used lately.

Since the airing of resveratrol segments on 60-Minutes, Barbara Walters, and Oprah, just about everyone has heard of the "Red Wine Miracle Substance." I had to stop and ask myself whether or not this popularity was a good thing or not.

I took a look at both sides of the argument and came up with the following:

The Good... More people will have the ability to potentially benefit from Resveratrol. More awareness means more people will most likely begin using it.

The Bad... People won't take the time to research exactly what they are putting in their bodies. Their friend says take it so they do.

The Good... More and more Doctors are becoming aware of resveratrol which can ultimately make it safer for people to take. Doctors who are aware can properly recommend, or not recommend, resveratrol based on their patience needs. This means any negative drug interactions can be looked for and avoided.

The Bad... Most people will not discuss their supplement regimen with their Doctors. If you can buy it "over-the-counter" then it must be safe. This is not always true and you should always consult with a physician prior to starting a new diet or supplement.

The Good... People are becoming more aware of how important good health is. Any focus on health is a good aspect of resveratrol's popularity.

The Bad... Resveratrol is not a "wonder drug" that cures all and makes you lose weight just because you take it.

Of course along with this popularity we also get companies who are in it strictly for the money. While I see absolutely nothing wrong with making money from your business, it is disgraceful to flat out lie and manipulate people into buying your products. Stick with the reputable companies who have solid fundamentals.

One of the greatest benefits I see is the potential for increased research. As more people start talking and asking Doctors about resveratrol, the more likely research money will be used to figure out if it's the real deal or not. While I have my hunches about this, I certainly would like to know for sure!

Live Longer,

Markus

Other My Resveratrol Experience Articles:

Micronized Resveratrol - My Personal Choice!

Resveratrol Scam: Warning and Consumer Alert!

Resveratrol Side Effects: User Feedback, The Positives! (Part 2)

Take Part in The "Fresh Air" Fund's 2009 NYC Half Marathon on August 16th!

2009-07-18T13:53:13-04:00

The Fresh Air Fund, a NYC based non-profit agency, is hosting their summer half-marathon in NYC on August 16th. If you are in the NYC area and would to participate you can get more information at freshair.org where you can sign-up to be a runner, sponsor, or contribute to the fund.

Please take a moment to read the information below, visit the freshair.org, and if you can please contribute to a great cause!

What is the Fresh Air fund?

"Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences in the country to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities. Each year, thousands of children visit volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada through the Friendly Town Program or attend one of five Fresh Air Fund camps."

A little about Last Years Event:

"Last summer's NYC Half-Marathon Presented by NIKE was a huge success for The Fresh Air Fund, and we couldn't have done it without all of our Fund-Racers! Thank you to the dedicated runners who participated through our team and to everyone who came out to support us! We raised more than $125,000 which will go directly to our free programs for NYC children."

If you can't make it to the event but would like to contribute to this wonderful organization you can donate here: Give to the Fresh Air fund

Resveratrol Supplements While You are Pregnant?

2009-07-13T17:28:49-04:00

Are taking supplements safe while you are expecting?

I am not a Doctor or an expert on this subject but I wanted to share my thoughts regarding this topic. This is just my personal opinion and thought process.

I've read several accounts on-line of people taking resveratrol or other supplements while they are pregnant. I have been emailed by numerous people asking me if it is safe to take resveratrol while they are pregnant. These questions and accounts concern me.

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant you need to ask your Doctor whether or not they feel taking supplements are necessary. There is nothing wrong with going on-line and gathering information but you SHOULD NOT base your decisions on this information.

While this may seem like common sense to many of you, it is important to take extra caution when you are pregnant. Many supplements, resveratrol included, have not been researched enough with regards to their effects on pregnancies. The truth is many supplements haven't been studied enough for those who are not pregnant either.

A little less then a year ago my wife and I had our first child. I remember being eager to learn and ask questions when we went for her routine Doctor visits. I was the typical new father-to-be. Never feel like you cannot ask your Doctor a question. If they don't know the answer on the spot, a good Doctor will get back to you after looking into it further.

My thoughts regarding resveratrol while you are pregnant are rather simple; don't take it, it's just not worth the risk.

Live Longer,

Markus

Resveratrol, Longevity, and Living Life to It's Fullest!

2009-07-05T14:30:00-04:00

Recently a close friend of mine asked me why I was so focused on "living longer" and not on the "now." I thought to myself this person must not get me because I am just as interested in my life "as I live it" as I am at prolonging it.

After a deeper thought process I became more aware of how people perceived me versus how I perceived myself. While I am much less concerned about what people think of me compared to how I feel about myself, it is nice for those who are close to you to be able to understand who you really are. This level of understanding is what builds a strong relationship.

So I decided to write out my thoughts regarding what I am interested in from a longevity standpoint, as well as, in my current life.

Longevity to me is important perhaps for selfish reasons. I want to live longer so I can be around my family and friends longer. I want to see what the world will be like in 50, 75, or 100 years from now. I want to be here to experience what many call the "Singularity."

Singularity is often described as the point by which technology is at such an advanced level that we are able to make ourselves live nearly forever. Diseases can be cured, physical limitations can be cured, and computers advance to the point of true artificial intelligence.

If you think how far we have come in the past 50 years from a technological stand point, it is only a matter of time until technology, both electronic and medical based, will be able to sustain life indefinitely. I want to be here for that moment, and I want to be healthy enough to enjoy getting there.

Of course, the problem with wanting to be here for the point of Singularity is we don't know when it will occur. Many well respected theorists think it will occur in the next 50 years. I hope they are right.

As for living in the "Now" I am focused on being happy. Happiness to me is feeling good about myself, enjoying my family, and being healthy while I do it. So I practice a healthy lifestyle by eating well, working out regularly, and taking vitamins and supplements like resveratrol.

I have spoken in the past about having a balance in your life. I don't think taking anything to it's extreme is healthy. Eat well, but not so well you don't get to enjoy the little delights that are out there. Workout regularly, but not every day so that it becomes boring and feels like a chore.

I am certain that by following these guidelines in my life I have become a much more well rounded person. Feeling healthy, living in the now, and preparing for the future is a balance that works.

What works for you? What balance keeps you happy?

Live Longer,

Markus

Quercetin, Resveratrol's Cousin, Increases Endurance In Athletes

2009-06-28T19:55:23-04:00

Quercetin, likes it's cousin resveratrol, has been shown to increase endurance by up to 13.2 percent in healthy active individuals.

Over the past year resveratrol has out shined quercetin in the flavanoid category of health supplements. Many people have taken quercetin over the years to help with athletic performance and even with hopes of it having cancer fighting properties.

Quercetin is a flavanoid found in different plants and berries. It has been tested in laboratories for its cancer fighting properties but has yet to be clinically proven to treat cancer in humans. It is thought by many nutrition experts that the combination of resveratrol and quercetin is a powerful antioxidant mix that carries the potential for strong synergistic results. (Wikipedia)

While, as with resveratrol, little human studies have been completed to prove the benefits of quercetin, this past week researchers at the University of South Carolina released new research studying athletic performance. 12 healthy individuals were given either 500mg twice per day of quercetin mixed with Tang or a placebo of Tang minus the quercetin.

The participants receiving the quercetin were able to bike for 13.2% longer then those receiving the placebo after only 7 days of consumption. While the results are part of a small sample set it indicates the potential benefits of quercetin supplementation in athletes.

While research has been slow due to the troubled world economic climate, research funding will hopefully increase as the economy rebounds. Hopefully once funding returns to better levels some will be focused on the alternative medical field.

Live Longer,

Markus

Resveratrol Research Being Performed by Students at Major Universities

2009-06-24T13:27:02-04:00

Scouring the the web for recent news on resveratrol research I came across a video I found rather inspiring. Mohnal Mehta, a Rutgers University Undergraduate Student, discusses her interest in researching resveratrol as a Chemotherapeutic Agent.

Under the direction of well known PhD's, Undergraduate and Graduate students are some times leading the way in fields often under researched. This research provides insight into lessor known fields and also opens up the possibilities of scientific break through that can be confirmed by peer review.

While the video doesn't get into great detail regarding the work Monal is doing it does offer some basic insight into resveratrol as a Chemotherapeutic Agent. Learn more by watching the video below.

Resveratrol Use & Lifestyle Change Personal Update

2009-06-22T00:23:21-04:00

15 Months Later, Goals Achieved and New Ones Set!

Many of you have followed my journey to a new Healthstyle. Getting started was by far the most difficult part, but once I got going the rest fell into place. Now I am eating well, working out regularly, and have a much greater understanding of how my body works.

I am often asked from visitors of this site if I think resveratrol was the reason for my health successes. For that reason I wanted to make my answer to this question very clear.

While I believe resveratrol has played a role in getting healthy it was not the sole reason. I think resveratrol acts in a supportive role to a healthy lifestyle. What I hope for is that by taking it I am getting healthy from the inside out.

What does "inside out" mean? Resveratrol is shown to work from a cellular level by activating Sirtuins, Sirt1 in particular, which helps our cells regulate themselves. Damaged cells are either repaired or die off, and healthy cells work more efficiently.

These effects may not be something you can necessarily feel but they are occurring in the background. If I live to 130 then certainly that will serve as proof. Either that or I just got very lucky.

I have also noticed some more surface effects of resveratrol usage. I have an increase in endurance that has far surpassed previous years when I was healthy. I am more fit now then I was as an active teenager. While I am far from old I am not what you would typically consider to be in my prime years from a physical standpoint. The added endurance helps keep me in better shape then without it.

The biggest surprise from a benefit standpoint has been my increased ability to focus mentally. My concentration has increased twofold and my critical thinking abilities have increased as well. This was unexpected but has increased my productivity at both work and home.

While my diet is not perfect I have made some great improvements. I still indulge once or twice a week in foods high in fat and calories. I am a big fan of the Bacon Cheeseburger and Philly Cheese steak. I am able to eat foods like this on occasion and still have decreased my body fat percentage by over 8% since starting.

Not everyone has the same experiences with resveratrol. Many people note different benefits and some report negative side effects as well. Just remember to keep sharing what you learn and help others get a better understanding of taking resveratrol.

Once more "official" studies are completed over the course of the next few years we will hopefully confirm or deny the effects people "think" they feel.

Live Longer,

Markus