My Resveratrol Experience - Side Effects, Benefits, Dosage, and Research Information

Resveratrol, Back To The Basics!

As the buzz of the 60 Minutes Resveratrol special subsides I wanted to take some time and recap the information discussed and the basics of resveratrol research.

My Resveratrol Experience has seen an influx of visitors and new subscribers to the site.  I wanted to personally welcome those who are new, looking to find information on resveratrol, and welcome back the regulars.  I hope you enjoy what you find and encourage you to participate in discussions.

Dr. Christopher Westphal and Dr. David Sinclair were both highlighted in the special sharing their scientific findings and opinions as well.  Mice treated with a resveratrol diet ran longer and lived longer.  This is old news at this point.  However, the two Resveratrol pioneers spoke of changing the future of health care and the possibility of living longer, ...healthier!  Who doesn't want that?

Have you heard of the French Paradox?  In case you haven't, it's a theory that the reason the French live longer while consuming a higher calorie, higher fat diet is because of the resveratrol (or other nutrients contained in red wine) they consume due to their "higher than normal" red wine intake.  The increased consumption of red wine compared to most others translates into a higher intake of resveratrol.  A possible explanation for the increased lifespan despite a "not so great" diet.

How does the resveratrol work?  

60 Minutes Resveratrol Segment, Aired 1-25-2009

A segment discussing resveratrol, sirtuins, CR (calorie restriction), and more.  Interviews with Dr. Christoph Westphal, Dr. David Sinclair, and CR Society.

"RevGenetics 99% Micronized Resveratrol"
Capsules, Powder, and Bulk Available!

2009 My Resveratrol Experience Site Goals!

In May of 2008 I started My Resveratrol Experience to share, learn, and spread the word regarding resveratrol.  It was slow going at first but over the past 3 months MRE has really begun to take off with over 10,000 visitors from 93 different countries!

I want to thank everyone who has contributed to MRE and helped to create a community filled with fun, anecdotal, and educational information exchange.  I've had the opportunity to learn a lot from all of you and look forward to learning and sharing more in 2009.  It has been a pleasure getting to know some of you over the past few months!

My Resveratrol Experience 2009 Goals:

It's Going To Be a GREAT Year!!

• I will post a minimum of once per week but will attempt to make two posts or more.  Please subscribe to stay up to date!

• Guest Writer Search!  I would like to find a few people who are interesting in writing the occasional article on MRE.  If you enjoy writing and would like to contribute please email me with topics you would like to write about (resveratrol/anti-aging related) and we can discuss in greater detail.  All credits will go to the author of the article and a link back to their site if they have one.

Does Resveratrol Work?

Simple question, difficult answer!

When discussing "proof" in science a common phrase you will hear is "Anecdotal Evidence."  Let's say I was having a conversation with my Uncle Bob about resveratrol:

"Uncle Bob, remember how I've always had trouble sleeping?  Well, ever since I started taking resveratrol I've been able to sleep 8 hours per night!"

While the above statement may have actually occurred, and over the past 6 months I slept better, it does not mean resveratrol is what caused the better sleep habits.  This would be considered anecdotal evidence.

In science, anecdotal evidence has been defined as:

• "information that is not based on facts or careful study"[2]
  
• "non-scientific observations or studies, which do not provide proof but may assist research efforts"[3]
  
• "reports or observations of usually unscientific observers"[4]
  
• "casual observations or indications rather than rigorous or scientific analysis"[5]
  
• "information passed along by word-of-mouth but not documented scientifically"
  

Anecdotal evidence can have varying degrees of formality. For instance, in medicine, published anecdotal evidence is called a case report, which is a more formalized type of evidence subjected to peer review.[6] Although such evidence is not regarded as scientific, it is sometimes regarded as an invitation to more rigorous scientific study of the phenomenon in question.[7] For instance, one study found that 35 of 47 anecdotal reports of side effects were later sustained as "clearly correct."[8]

Researchers may use anecdotal evidence for suggesting new hypotheses, but never as supporting evidence. (Source: Wikipdeia: Anecdotal Evidence Scientific Context

My Resveratrol Experience Update: Personal Dosage, Effectiveness, & Dr. Sinclair in the News!

Not so long ago I made a switch to RevGenetics new resveratrol product Nitro 250.  I thought it was time for an update on how this has been going.

So far I haven't noticed any changes, positive or negative.  I feel exactly the same I did taking the higher dose 500mg & 1000mg micronized resveratrol.  Only now I am taking a smaller dose which I am hoping is more bioavailable and as effective as the larger doses.  With the added delivery system provided in the Nitro 250 pills I am hopeful less will be needed.

For me, taking less can have two benefits:  First, it's cheaper then taking a larger dose.  Cheaper doesn't always mean better, but in this case I believe it's still a high quality product.  Second, it's less of an unknown (we still don't know much about resveratrol in humans) substance I am putting in my body. Less is sometimes more!  

I have decided to increase my dosage to 500mg on training days and will see if this helps with muscle recovery.  I will be taking one capsule about 30 minutes prior to working out and a second capsule within 30 minutes of ending my workout.  This means I will be taking a total of 500mg within a 1 hour time frame of each dose.