Stomach Sensitivity & Resveratrol

As you research resveratrol you will come across other people's experiences which tend to vary drastically.  However, a common statement is that by taking resveratrol people complain about diarrhea and stomach cramping.  It has been said this can last for a few days until you get used to it or it can never go away.  It is important to know the reason behind the "stomach sensitivity."  The answer is most likely "Emodin!"

So what is emodin? It is a natural crystalline substance that belongs to the family of compounds called "anthraquinones."  It is an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase, possesses antiviral, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. A common effect of consuming emodin is it's laxative effect which is typically noticed at doses as low as 10mg per day.  This can cause diarrhea and cramping for some people who consume large amounts. (reference: http://www.myrevgenetics.com/kb_results.asp?ID=16 )

Emodin is often mixed with resveratrol by manufacturers and the amounts are not always disclosed.  This is why it is important to know the source of your resveratrol and have its contents verified by reputable independent testing laboratories.  Reputable companies will disclose the amounts of emodin in their products.

Personally, I have a sensitive stomach and prefer not to take a product with a high concentration of emodin.  A reputable, 98% or higher, trans-resveratrol product should contain very little emodin.  The trade off is typically in price as a 98%+ resveratrol product is typically more expensive then a 50% product.

The moral of the story... if you have a cast iron stomach emodin will probably not bother you.  If it does there is a good chance you'll get used to it over time.  Otherwise, us sensitive types have to pay up and get the 98%+ tResv.

Useful Links:
Flu Season Is Here: Can Resveratrol Help?

 

Resveratrol Related Web Search

Comments

[Acuity]

My experience is that certain brands of Resveratrol cause the stomach sensitivity. I switched brands and the laxative effects went away. When I switched back, the effects came back. Not all Resveratrols are created equal. The brand that caused the laxative effects caused me to lose weight and I am now combining both brands of Resveratrol because losing weight is a good side-effect (albeit many more trips to the bathroom).

[Ken Bloom]

I tried a brand, which I won't name, whose 250 mgs of trans-resveratrol came in 500 mg capsules. The label mentioned several other bio-chemicals whose names are a total mystery to the vast majority of us but are supposedly good for us or at least innocuous. I didn't notice any labeling of "emodin", although I suspect there was some there since shortly after taking the pills I started to have very loose bms. Unfortunately I had just come down with a cold and attributed the lbms to the cold. Two weeks later, not so much. Since the only other thing I could think of was the trans-resveratrol capsules, I stopped taking them and the problem cleared up. My wife, who has a cast iron stomach, had no such problem. I am now going to try a sample of micronized t-r for about a week. If no problems occur, I will buy from that supplier who has registered their products with the FDA. Not FDA certified, which probably costs megabucks to test over many years.

[Dave London]

I recently started taking a product from Shaklee called Vivix. 1 teaspoon perday is equal to 1000 glasses of red wine. My only problem is that my stomach does become upset BUT only when I drink a few cocktails and I start to feel "drunk" extremely fast. Other than that I don't feel or see any difference in me.

[Jay]

I took 400 mg Resveratrol fruit extract for a few days and went to a bar to drink a few drinks (4 to be exact). I usually can tolerate this amount no problem but not this time. I was extremely drunk all of a sudden and started throwing up and had to go to an emergency room. It's been about 10 days now since the start of resveratrol and I still feel a bit drunk all the time. My skin feels fantastic though. I plan to reduce my intake to 100mg a day now.;

[simon]

where can I get vivix in London England please? simon

[lucydove]

I tried reservatrol and had the loose bms for a week after stopping it. Also I had muscle spasms and some dizziness. Could be the muscle spasms came from loosing too much fluid via lbm. I am stopping it for now and will try it again later.

[Trisha]

I just took resveratrol Ultra for the first time and I got severe stomach craps and I started my period the same day (I just had my period two weeks prior!) So i don't think I'm going to continue with it. I just wanted to know if that is a common side effect?!

[C Red]

I was searching the internet for side effects of resveratrol and came across this site, so I'm posting my experience which has been severe stomach cramps. I'm talking balled over and rolling on the floor cramps. I have stop taking it. I did not find anything that explains what is happening. I read somethings that said it could be because of the emodin but am I in danger of having health problems or what should I do??

[Admin]

C Red,
Many times different people have different reactions to resveratrol or supplements in general. There is no way for sure to tell you whether or not you are in danger of health problems, you would need to see a Doctor to help figure that out.

That said, stomach cramps are not entirely out of the norm when it comes to resveratrol. More times then not it is the emodin content or "filler contents" that are causing the cramping rather then the resveratrol itself.

I would suggest if you decide to try resveratrol again that you use a 98% purity or better product that has been independently tested. This way you will know for sure what your are ingesting.

[Renee]

I, too, have a sensitive digestive system- and have had IBS for most of my life...I also can not drink red wine- as it gives me TERRIBLE migraines!! Is this supplement safe for me to take given those factors??
I REALLY want to try it- but do not want to end up not leaving the bathroom- or on the bed with a pounding migraine for three days!!

Thanks for any help you can give!

[Netbo]

Renee - I also suffer redwine headaches and have IBS, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and hyperlipidemia. Try a Resveratrol product without any red wine concentrate or grape seed extract. Markus recommends Revgenetics. I'm using Solgar PC-Extend 200mg - 50% transresveratrol solely from polygonum cuspidatum (japanese knotweed). No more headaches, joint pain is diminished, energy level great. I'm feeling very good actually for all my problems. I also eat very well and exercise everyday.

[Marilyn]

I just started using RezMelts because I was told resveratrol works best when digested in the mouth first. This is day 6 and I have moderate stomach cramping which is very uncomfortable. I also have IBS, so this is NOT desirable. Fortunately I am on a trial, so I will look for another brand.

[Robert G. Moffitt]

I tried Resveratrol Ultra taking one in the morning and one at noon. By the end of the third day I had a sever headache, stomach cramps and now diarrea. The label on the "free Sample" reads to call 866-992-6556 to report any serious reaction. Well, try calling that number. All you get is a busy signal. Meanwhile they automatically send out another bottle and put an $83.00 charge on your credit card. Watch out!

[Sandra Calabro]

I recently bought YouthRes-V (limited Edition- Premium) I have had constant headaches, sore throat, acne, severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea. I have almost finished the bottle still not realizing that I was reacting to this product. I had simply thought I was getting the flu.

I have now developed hives, severe rash and itching all over my body with massive welts, especially where the skin creases or where the elastic of clothes press on my skin. In addition to this I got my period, which is not due for another 3 weeks!

I will not be taking this product again. I have never been allergic to anything or been so sick as I am now.

has anyone else reacted in this way?

[Netbo]

I would also like to underscore what Marcus has said already about the actual trans-resveratrol content of the supplements. People who are experiencing headaches, nausea and diarrhea may be reacting to other component like the emodin, red wine concentrate, grape seed extract, fillers, etc in the supplements. I have IBS, I am not experiencing any of these symptoms on Solgar PC Extend (200 mg polygonum cuspidatum/50% trans-resveratrol) and my joint pain (arthritis) is much improved. Solgar is a company that doesn't use any allergens (soy, wheat dairy, corn, yeast, etc.)or artificial colors, preservative or flavors in their products. They are also manufactured in the USA. Marcus also uses a 98% trans-resveratrol product from the polygonum cuspidatum plant. I would steer clear of the free trials and promotions. Go to a reputable natural grocer or pharmacy that you trust and see what they have to offer.

[ARC]

I have taken Resveratrol by ReserveAge for the last week. I have had slight dizzyness. I have had no other good or bad side effects. I take 250mg each morning. I am not convinced that this is a "magic bullet."

[Mike]

Even the store brand version of Resveratrol produces stomach cramps. I wouldn't recommend this for anyone with a weak stomach, and I've stopped taking it.

[Admin]

A few things to remember about "side effects" and stomach issues with resveratrol. You have to keep in mind that all resveratrol is NOT pure. Also, just because one person has a bad experience with a product it does not mean everyone will. It is possible that resveratrol or a particular product effects some people in different ways.

The most important thing you can do is to make sure you buy from a reputable supplier. This goes for anything that you ingest. If emodin content is high and you have a sensitive stomach there is a good chance it will effect yours.

If you use a pure product and still have problems perhaps try taking it at different times of the day or with food and water. Make sure you keep track of what works for you and make note of any changes you notice.

Always be conscious of what you put in your body and don't take it for granted that just because someone said it is good that it means it IS good.

Due Diligence always pays off in the end.

Thank you all for your contributions and keeping this discussion going. Let's keep up the information sharing!

[Annette Penko]

I have looked at all the comments and will stop taking resveratrol I'm don't want to but I'm sure after reading the posts that loose bowels and cramps are due to this product,I puchased a liquid that was $75 per month a well known company I've been taking it for two weeks and thought I had a bug.

[Loretta]

I too experience diarrhea, which is very potent smelling. I went from 750mg twice a day to 500mg twice a day and I STILL have the diarrhea. I wonder if I should stop taking Resveratrol altogether?

[Gibs]

Wow, this stuff ain't funny.Very cross with myself for falling for the hype. Ordered a product from the US after a recommend from a friend, on receiving I find that it contains a whole host of other weightloos supplements as well as the 8% Resveratrol (not shown what source)and like Robert, upon trying to cancel this 'membvership' I found myself unexpectedly lumbered with, have not been able to get through on that number yet.Not so many side effects, but dischuffed at the rip-off, after thinking I'd get red grape skin extract and nothin else. So I toddle off to good old Holland's & Barret, oh good they have Resveratrol capsules 50 mg in stock,nice red grapes on the bottle, go and pay £13, happy about trying the real thing, find out that it's made of Knotweed, take 1(!) capsule only, and yes, stomach cramps from hell a few hours later and all through the night, dizzy as in fuzzy vision, all that when I had guests in the house. Not funny at all. Read up about what the heck is going on and find this site - the first one I come across that actually mentions peoples' bad experiences. THANK YOU!!! Still a sore stomach today and period type pains ( I am not due yet, we'll see)and looking like death warmed up, kidney pains, too (do have slight kidney damage). So it contains not only a laxative but also oxalic acid, notoriously bad for kidneys and some joint problems...good grief! NO mention of any of it on that pretty red grape bottle. Let myself be had twice! Don't go there if you are sensitive in any way. Really really don't.

[chris]

I have checked my bottle of Bioforte Resveratrol to see if it contains emodin and I can't tell. Does anyone know if this product contains emodin. I am experiencing an extreme laxitive effect taking 2 250mg a day. My sister in law is having no problems on the same product. What are the products that are the most pure?

[John]

I have had two extremely bad experiences with Resveratrol. I began taking Walgreens Finest Natural brand Resveratrol about two months ago. I started at one 320mg capsule (80mg resveratrol) twice a day, then gradually increased dosage over a period of about three weeks to about six capsules a day. One night before heading out for pizza I consumed three capsules. Three hours after swallowing the capsules I became ill, first it was diarrhea, then vomiting, then both. I vomited about 25 times and had to be driven home. I seriously thought I had been poisoned. It could have been caused by one of only three things the pizza, the fish I had eaten before the resveratrol, or the resveratrol. I figured that the Resveratrol was the least likely culprit, but as a precaution I did not consume any of that Resveratrol for more than a month. Yesterday I worked up the nerve to take two capsules of that Resveratrol, the exact same thing happened, vomiting and diarrhea. I have lactose and fructose intolerance, but they have never caused vomiting, only moderate diarrhea. Those 55 combined vomits are about 5 times the total number of times that I had vomited in my entire life previously. WTF?

[Dallas McAfee]

Problems with taking Resveratrol Complete 1500 mg pharmaceutical quality according to the bottle.
Took 1 capsule and 2 hours later became nauseous, dizzy and developed severe leg and foot cramping. Also severe diarrhea. My legs cramped so severely that I could not walk. All symptoms lasted for 2 days with the diarrhea going on for 4 days. I also experienced a couple of hallucination episodes.
Since I purchased a 6 month supply of this product I took a single capsule about a month after this episode, just to make sure my experience wasn't a fluke, and experienced the exact same thing.
I threw away both bottles of this product and will never try again. In my opinion it is a dangerous drug.
Any comments?

[supplement taker]

I tool rtesveratrol bought from HSN -- Andrew Lessman brand. Yes.. diarrhea followed.