Resveratrol benefits: What’s the science behind the hype?

Could a daily glass of red wine really help you live longer? In recent decades a glass of shiraz has been credited with everything from protecting against heart disease to preventing obesity. These health claims are down to red wine’s resveratrol content. But is there any science to support resveratrol benefits? And is red wine really the best source?

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol. This is a micronutrient found in more than 70 plant species.¹ Many of these are foods we routinely include in our diets. Alternatively, you can get a more concentrated dose from a resveratrol supplement.² And if you’re wondering how to pronounce it – it's rez-vair-a-trawl.

Have you spotted references to ‘trans resveratrol’ thrown into the mix too? You may be wondering if they’re the same thing. Resveratrol is the general product name used for supplements. But the active ingredient contained within is often trans resveratrol. They are two different forms of the compound. The distinction between the two types comes down to how easy it is for your body to absorb and use it. Here’s the breakdown:³

Resveratrol supplements are a convenient way to get your full dose of resveratrol. However, it’s widely available in food sources too.⁴

With the growing scientific interest in resveratrol, a long list of health benefits is emerging. And beyond the hype and headlines, there’s potential for this ingredient to support many aspects of your wellness. Here are three examples

There's no shortage of research investigating the connection between resveratrol and weight loss. But it's primarily based on animals. And although there’s evidence to support the metabolic benefits of resveratrol,¹³ claims it helps people lose weight are less robustly supported. In fact, your chosen resveratrol source could have an unfavourable impact on your calorie intake. For example, red wine provides a relatively low dose of the micronutrient but comes with a high calorie count. If weight management is a concern for you, a supplement source may be favourable.

There are no major risks connected to resveratrol. However, in the higher doses in resveratrol supplements, there are potential side effects.¹⁴ 

The research on resveratrol benefits is promising. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of this plant compound support connections to wide-ranging health benefits. As more human-based research emerges, we will hopefully learn more about the optimum resveratrol dosage and how exactly it impacts on our bodies.