Side Effects of Resveratrol: A User Compilation! (Part 1)

While the benefits of Resveratrol have been clearly documented, let's focus on the "potential negative" side effects first.

Just about a year has gone by since My Resveratrol Experience was started. In that time over 100 articles have been posted along with hundreds of user comments.  The hottest topic has clearly been on resveratrol side effects.

Many people make a wise decision by searching before buying, or consuming, a new supplement. The search isn't necessarily for who makes the best supplement but what the supplement can do to their bodies.

Below is a consolidated list of side effects users have reported while taking resveratrol. Please remember, this list is anecdotal and NOT based on scientific research. Placebo effect is also a great possibility. We will have to wait for companies like Sirtris Pharmaceuticals to complete their FDA trials before we get a more accurate list.

• A buzzed feeling, similar to a caffeine high or rush. Some also describe the feeling to be dizziness.

• Insomnia that comes on fast and lasts for varying amounts of time. Some users say it subsides after a week or two of use.

• An increase in blood pressure occasionally into the "high" range.  

• Stomach cramping and diarrhea. It should be noted this is likely due to the emodin content in lower quality or purity resveratrol supplements. A certificate of authorization from an independent lab can confirm this.

• Joint pains in the hips, hands, and feet. Similar to arthritic conditions. Some people claim this feels similar to tendinitis pain. 

• An increased sensitivity to hot & cold temperatures. This can also be associated with touch. Perhaps having to do with circulation or vein dilation.  

• Numbness in the extremities.

• Heart Palpitations.

• Minor cold or flu like symptoms.

• Increased adult acne.

• Coloration of urine.

It is important to note this list is compiled of user experiences shared on this site. These users may be taking multiple supplements, other medications, or have been exposed to other illnesses. Please remember resveratrol can react with other medications so it is important to discuss with your doctor whether or not any medications you take could interact negatively with resveratrol.

I have personally experienced a few of the side-effects listed above but not to the extent of which I felt they were overwhelming, or outweighing the potential benefits.

Part II will recap the "positive effects" resveratrol users have experienced.

Comments

[Reservatrol]

Yeah those side affects sound pretty serious. But well worth it for some folks!

[Davonna]

Hi, my name is Davonna. I purchased RezV about a month ago and still haven't taken it because I'm nervous about serious side effects... Not sure what to do.

[Admin]

Hi Davonna,

All I can say is that you need to be comfortable with the decisions you make. If you are not comfortable taking a resveratrol supplement then I would advise you not take one. Perhaps you can consult with your doctor and ask whether or not they would think taking resveratrol would be of any harm to you?

It's a good idea to talk to your Doctor any way prior to taking supplements. You never know how they might react with existing medications.

[Jim Benedick]

I took Longvinex, 1 a day (more at first) and tried Biotiva, 1 500 mgs, enthusiastically. I am sad to report that heart palpitations bothered me to the point that I had to stop. I am a heart bypass patient, on a low carb diet, and was hopeful that Resveritrol would improve my health. I also noticed more aches and pains and the achilles ache. I tried a lower dose and it didn't help.

[Lou]

I am interested in the resveratrol product,but afer my experience with acai I am afraid to try anything new. I have never in my life been allergic to anything until I took the Perfect Acai. I had hives that were beyond awful. is there any acai in the resveratrol product.
I eat red grapes everyday with no problems.

[Admin]

Hi Lou,

Sorry to hear about your bad experience with Acai. If you purchase a product with "only" resveratrol in it then you can be certain it doesn't contain Acai. Perhaps go with a 99% pure resveratrol product. If they don't state the purity and amount on the label your best bet is not to buy it.

[Alison]

I have been taking Resveratrol for 2 weeks. Every night I've been experiencing insomnia. I toss and turn until 1 am before I can finally get some sleep. Then I wake up most mornings with a headache. I so wanted to believe in this product, but these side effects are diminishing any benefits. Why is this happening to me?

[Pam]

I have been taking the resV Pure for about 10 days now. After the first few days I started having headaches and nausea. I am not sure if it is the resveratrol or something else, but I have not changed anything other than taking the resV Pure. I also take acai berry and a few other supplements. I have fibromyalgia and take Neurotin. Could this be working against each other or is the resveratrol alone causing nausea?

[Brett]

With every suppliment I've tried when I reduced the amount by as much as 3/4 I had better benefits, and less to none on the side effects. Some people are sensative and those people digest more than other people do(my theory).

Fiber in your diet will move meds thru your system faster. Your diet counts when it comes to my theory. AND heavy fats. I eat few heavy fats and eat half of what most people eat.

The product maker wants you to buy more so they tell you to take more than you need. Keep reducing the dosage until you find your level.

I've tried a lot of anti-aging products and this is true for me with all of them. INCLUDING many but not all vitamins.

[Admin]

Hi Pam,

The product you mention does not provide any details with regards to the amount of resveratrol, the purity, or the contents of its product on the website. I also could not find a label for the product. These are warning signs to me.

If nothing else has changed stop taking the product and try one with a clear label showing the trans-resveratrol content in it.

[Admin]

Hi Brett,

Thanks for sharing with us your theory on supplement intake. It's important for people to understand that supplements are not "one size fits all." Some people will do better then other with different dosages. You have to find out was is appropriate for you.

[Janet]

I haven't seen anyone post the side effect
that I experienced. My face and arms and
neck turned beet red and stayed that way for
a couple of hours. Kind of scared me to say the
least. I didn't take it again. Janet

[Nina]

I, too, am experiencing allergy-type symptoms: a fuzzy feeling in my head - and maybe a little insomnia. I am thinking about cutting my intake in half, and see if the side effects go away. If I do this, will I still reap the benefits?

[Admin]

Hi Nina,

I always advise people to start slow with resveratrol, or any knew supplement for that matter. Take small dosages and let your body get used to it. Backing down to a smaller dose makes sense.

As for whether or not that will have you reap the same benefits I am not sure anyone knows just yet. The research community goes back and forth on that question often.

Just take it slow and be conscious of any good or bad effects. If problems persist see a doctor or stop taking the supplement.

[Lorraine]

I took the ultra version from the online free month trial of reversatrol. I am so taken aback by the side effects. I started with only one capsule a day to see how that would work and with in 24 hrs of taking the first pill my hands became so painful I thought I was having a severe arthritic attack on every joint in all my fingers at once!! I stopped taking it and the symptoms are subsiding. I considered it may be a fluke. After reading about the side effects I am sure this is one of them!

[Admin]

Hi Lorraine,
I have to question the quality of a supplement that is unwilling to disclose exactly what is in it. When I went to the website I could not find anywhere what the ingredients were, purity levels, and amounts.

Were you able to get an ingredient list with amounts listed? What purity is the product?

Now, I can only speak from personal experience and give my opinions but it seems to me if a company isn't willing to provide details about its product them I would not take it.

Try taking a 98%+ purity resveratrol supplement that is made from Japanese Knotweed. If the symptoms persist then you'll know for sure it is the resveratrol causing the problem and not something else in the product.

As for the side effects, joint pains are on the list but they are typically not severe and go away over time. If they are severe then there is no reason to stay on the product. You have to weigh the positives and negatives.

[Kate]

I took advantage of the free trial -- you were supposed to be able to cancel it in 2 weeks but 14 days later they had already taken the money from my account -- i was not sure at that time that I was going to continue the process as it had only been in my hands a little over a week. I tried to call and cancell it the day they took it out of my acct but kept getting just messages from their phone numbers -- I tried through the week end -- same results -- then when I got the woman on the phone she informed me I was past the time I could cancel and they could keep my money. I think you should be VERY suspicious of anything that promises you a mos. free trial and then you do not get even 2 weeks before the slam you for 80+ dollars. But she said if I would continue it they could bill me only 40. a mo. from now on. I refused because I had no idea how my body would react to the product. I kept taking it and my blood pressure shot up!! I take diavon 165/25 every other day and my pressure is always in the perfect to low range. I quit taking the resevertrol and eventually the heart pains and pressure problems went away -- I decided to take only 1/2 the dose and took one last night -- I was awake until 4:00 am. I truly would like to benifit from this product but I do not feel it is as safe as it is being protrayed.
The free trial I used was Resevertrol Ultra and I feel the treatment I received with the free trial speaks volumes about buyer beware!!
Kate

[Valerie]

I second what Kate stated. I would be very suspicious of the ordering process. I also ordered the Reservertrol Ultra online and felt I was not given clear information upfront, such as actual price and actual number of days of the free trial. Online you only read: "Free Trial! Free Trial!" and so you think, "Hmmm, this seems to be backed by 60 minutes and Dr. Oz and $3.95 is not bad." So you give your credit card # thinking it will just be charged $3.95 s & h, BUT once you press confirm order button, what pops up? The actual price: $80 +-! Also the 14 days trial isn't accurate because you have to postmark the return before 14 days to get the free trial. (I went online to find out how to return it today but was a few days too late.)

As far as side effects I also felt a pain in my wrists and hands which is something I never felt before. Yesterday I was helping my daughter cut construction paper for a project but I had to stop and put the scissors down, it was that painful. Today the pain is gone. I never linked it to Reverertrol until now. I also had trouble sleeping this week and never linked that to Reverertrol until reading these comments either. I don't think I've experienced any of the benefits. ( increased energy, smoother skin etc. that is promised.) I suppose my organs are feeling less old, but who knows? The way it is being sold with it's fountain of youth hype should have made me more suspicious. I picture Dr. Oz laughing all the way to the bank! Now, I say: Buyer Beware!

[Monica]

I took Resveratrol Forte (125mg) about 5 days ago. I took it late in the afternoon and around bedtime around 6 hours later, I began experiences severe muscle aches. I had insomnia for days, anxiety galore (and I don't usually get anxious). I still have a sore achy body today (but getting much better). I was perfectly fine the day of and before I took Resverstrol. I can only attribute it to that pill as nothing else is different in my diet and/or life.

Suffice to say it's unfortunately not for me. If you do have sensitivities and want to try this, take 1/2 the dose or less to start would be

[Frank Joahson]

I have had no side effects. Not sure if its in my head but after a few months I feel younger and my says I also look a bit younger. I feel great!!

[Admin]

That is great to hear Frank! Thank you for sharing.

[cheryl martin]

I have been taking 400 mg. a day for about 2 months and feel so much better than before. I had a bad surgical experience which left me with collapsed l lung and a paralyzed left-hemi diaphragm. I also apply resveratrol topically on my face and scars. I have had great success on healing and better breathing and minimal scaring. My face appears to be firmer and smoother with fewer wrinkles. Age spots have started to fade along with skin blotches. I have had no bad side affects. I would recomend starting off slow and building up the dose if you are unsure.

[David Vaughan]

Started Biotivia 500 mg yesterday and I'm noticing a bit of a "rush" today. I assume this is the caffeine high you mentioned in the side effects. I also had a little mild diarrhea this morning. Question...does these effects subside?

[maggie]

I am getting heart palpation's I have only tooken for about a little over a week .. I love except that feels awful not all the time but at night sometimes , I havent had these in over 20 yrs ..Im assuming it must be a side affect ????
I do love this im taking ResVpro ..little diarrhea also but not too bothersome

[Sarah Andres]

I have seen many mentions of being careful of taking Reservatrol with other medications, yet it never says which medications!

Is there any information about taking it with Sinthroid? I am moderately hypothyroid, so I'm afraid to take it...

Thanks!

Sarah