My Resveratrol Experience

New Resveratrol Article In Fitness Magazine

The February 2010 issue of Fitness Magazine, published an article written by Richard Laliberte titled, "Resveratrol: The New Weight-Loss Supplement?"  The article features personal accounts by women in their 20's and 30's. The article also highlights some nice fact finding regarding the potential physical fitness benefits of resveratrol, completed by the writer.

While the article is focused mainly on how resveratrol effects women, I think it is a worthwhile read for men as well.  Laliberte provides useful information, both positives and safety concerns, for those interested in taking resveratrol as a potential fitness enhancer. Enjoy the read!

Resveratrol, Endurance Enhancer or Placebo Effect?

20 months of Resveratrol use and I am still not finished questioning whether or not Resveratrol provides endurance benefits.  It would be nice to see real research results, providing those who take resveratrol with definitive answers, however it looks like we will just have to wait for them.

The questions I often ask myself are the following:

• Does resveratrol increase my endurance above and beyond the maximum levels that would be obtained without taking it?
• Does resveratrol quicken the amount of time it takes to maximize my endurance, but not provide an ability to go over what the maximum would be without it?
• Does resveratrol not have anything to do with my endurance levels or possibly hurt it?

I've read "stories" and articles where they discuss professional athletes in biking, mixed martial arts (MMA), swimming, running, and other active sports, taking resveratrol as part of a supplement routine.  The question is, is it working?

I can not look to anyone other than myself to try and determine the answers to these questions.  For one thing, resveratrol may not effect one person like it effects another.  So I took some time the other day to sit back and recall the activity levels throughout the course of my life.  Now I am young by most people's indication of "old" and "young", however, I am past what many would consider their prime from an athletic perspective.

Here is what I was able to recall from my memory:

In my early teens I was active, playing baseball, tennis, and skiing.  Like most active teens my endurance level was high, I was able to play 5 sets of tennis with limited rest.  Skiing from 9am to 9pm was easy with just taking a break for lunch and dinner.  During my early teens I don't recall doing much aerobic activity though as most of the sports I played were anaerobic in nature.

Resveratrol: 2009 Year In Review! Bring on 2010!

As far as health crazes go, Resveratrol, certainly took the top spot in many categories in 2009.  What   started out as a relatively unknown antioxidant with potential anti aging capabilities turned into a debauchery of deceit by on-line marketers.

Once the big names mentioned it on prime time TV it only took a few days for the marketing machine to start it's work.  Unfortunately, this also spawned a numerous amount of "on the fly" resveratrol companies selling products with poor quality or very little, if any, good manufacturing practices.

It got so bad that between Acai Berry and Resveratrol the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) had to update and change laws regarding what type of promotional activities are legal and which are not.  The use of celebrity endorsements without permission or undocumented product claims is no longer acceptable; this is a good thing!  I commend the FTC for stepping up and protecting the consumer.

While I firmly believe that product promotion is a positive method for companies to sell products, it must be done in an ethical manner. This means bloggers, site owners, and anyone else must promote products in a way that is consistent with ethical practices.  

Resveratrol Interview For University Journalism Student

I was recently contacted by a University student requesting information on resveratrol for an article she was writing for her Journalism class.  I asked her to provide me with a list of questions that I could respond to and after doing so, I thought the question and answer session would be a good post for this blog.

Once the article is complete I will be posting it on 'My Resveratrol Experience' with the author's permission.

The Interview:

First, where do you get it (resveratrol)?

I purchase the resveratrol I use from a company called RevGenetics.  There are numerous companies online, and in stores, that sell resveratrol and it has become very difficult for consumers to determine which products are of a higher quality.  I always recommend that consumers look for companies who sell products using a "full disclosure" approach.  This means they are very clear with regards to the amount of resveratrol (trans-Resveratrol specifically) in their product, the percentage of purity, that they follow FTC and FDA guidelines where applicable, and they disclose their independent analysis test results publicly.

How much does it cost you, let's say on a monthly basis, to buy you dose or Resveratrol?

Resveratrol ranges in price, however, the product I take from RevGenetics is $41.12 per month.  I have seen prices that are much less and some that are $70.00 or more.  Personally, I am more concerned with quality than I am with the price, within reason of course.

Have you had trouble getting it, have you gotten caught in scams in the beginning?

I like to think of myself as a savvy consumer; I do my research prior to purchasing a product and I know, if something sounds to good to be true, then it usually is.  So, no, I was not caught by any scams in the beginning.  Also, at the time I began taking Resveratrol the scams were not as present as they are today.  Unfortunately, some of the scams look extremely real and use illegal tactics to sway consumers into purchasing their products.  Many use celebrity endorsements without consent and there are numerous lawsuits currently in process regarding this.  I have also tried to point out on my website what people should look out for with regards to these scams.  Here are links to articles I have written on the subject:  Articles on Scams & Resveratrol Scam - Take The Money and Run!

Second, why did you start using it?

I was introduced to Resveratrol via another hobby of mine, stock investing.  While searching for some "up and coming" new companies I came across Sirtris Pharmaceuticals.  At the time Sirtris was making pharmaceutical grade resveratrol (SRT501) and what they call NCE's, New Chemical Entities.  After reading about the company and being introduced to Resveratrol via their research I found the basis to be very interesting.  It made sense to me that making your cell's "healthier" would help you fight off diseases of aging, and possibly other ailments.  Shortly after I came across Sirtris, I was at my gym, and someone who's opinion I respect regarding health, brought up that he took Resveratrol.  Shortly after that conversation, GlaxoSmithKline bought Sirtris for $720 million.  At this time I felt there was validity with regards to Resveratrol and after doing some of my own research felt it was worth a try.

Resveratrol - A Compilation of User Reported Side Effects!

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.  You will find some previous user comments 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."

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

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

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.

Resveratrol & Type II Diabetes: New Research

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.

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

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)

Resveratrol's Popularity Hits the Mainstream!

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.

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

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?

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.