I originally planned to increase my trans-resveratrol dosage to 1.5 grams per day. Now I have a change in plans! The supplier I use for resveratrol came out with a 99% micronized trans-resveratrol in capsule form. For me this is ultimately what I've been looking for. You see, I have trouble with the powder forms and mixing it into drinks. I greatly prefer to take a capsule then a mixed drink.
Due to the increased bioavailability of micronized resveratrol I've reduced my dose back down to 500mg per day. I am going to continue with this dosage for 7-10 days and will then increase the dosage to 1 gram on training days followed by 500mg on off days. Once I feel my body has adjusted I'll increase to 1 gram per day on all days.
A little history on micronization (for more detail see my previous post on micronization).
"Micronization is the process of reducing the average diameter of a solid material's particles." The micrometres unit of measurement is most commonly used when describing a micronized particles size.
For the most part micronizing resveratrol is a new process. While other drugs and supplements have been micronized in the past (creatine is another well known micronized supplement) for t-res it's an improvement that has the potential to take the benefits to a new level. The higher bioavailability should enable us to take less with and achieve greater benefits. It is believed that Sirtris Pharmaceuticals SRT501 drug is a product of micronization along with a combination of other unknown techniques.
I will keep you informed as to any changes or differences I feel between the "old and the new." For those of you interested in trying micronized resveratrol for yourself I get mine from RevGenetics. They have both capsule and powder form. If you are ok taking powdered version it's MUCH less expensive.
If you have any questions or comments please let me know. I enjoy hearing from you and look forward to learning (and experiencing) more.
Resveratrol Related Web Search
Does Micronization of Trans-resveratrol Improve Bioavailability?
There is no published data to support enhanced bioavailability of resveratrol through micronization. In fact quite the opposite is true. Micronization is being touted by some suppliers even though the data shows that it actually decreases total resveratrol absorption. It is true that some drugs and nutrients are enhanced by micronization however resveratrol is not one of them. Furthermore, once a micronized powder is packed into a capsule it aggregates within a short time due to the pressure and moisture and no longer is micronized. Biotivia has studied the issue of particle size in relation to free resveratrol and resveratrol metabolite bioavailability. Our conclusion, and that of other bio chemists, is that at a particle size of between 1 and 10 nanometers (micronized) a graph of blood plasma levels vs. time shows an initial spike of resveratrol concentration but one which is no higher than the maximum amplitude of the concentration curve shown with resveratrol particles of 200nm (normal resveratrol). In the case of micronized resveratrol the blood plasma level very quickly drops to a substantially lower level than that of normal resveratrol. The result is that the total amount of free resveratrol (area under the curve) existing in the blood plasma and tissues is significantly lower with micronized resveratrol than with normal resveratrol. In fact larger particle sizes actually increase bioavailability. Some researchers have hypothesized that this is because micronized resveratrol is much more easily cleared from the blood by the liver resulting in a rapid drop off of resveratrol blood plasma and tissue concentrations. So why does Sirtris use micronized resveratrol in their formulation? The answer is simple, to a bio chemist at least. Sirtris uses it to facilitate the complexing of the particles with cyclodextrine. This is necessary in a liquid product, such as his SRT-501 formulation. The increased potency of this synthetic analog of resveratrol comes at the expense of the full spectrum effects of natural resveratrol and is due to a molecular modification. It has nothing to do with micronization. Why do some suppliers use micronization? In our opinion, it has more to do with the higher prices they are charging than with the science behind it.
this is from http://biotivia.com/company/questionsanswers.html just in case you wanted to know~
Posted by: Wendy | December 10, 2009 at 08:32 PM
It is common for both the layman and scientist to confuse solubility/absorption with bioavailability. In fact, any improvement from solubility/absorption that peaks the blood level a little higher will give the false impression of improved bioavailability as opposed to cramming more of a bioagent down a rathole.
Posted by: MachineGhost | February 21, 2010 at 04:49 AM