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.
What were you expecting as results from taking it, and are you satisfied with the results?
I was hoping to feel more healthy in general. At the time I was rather unhealthy and I was hoping with a new fitness routine, better diet, and resveratrol I could help get myself back into better shape and health. As far as being satisfied, I am very satisfied with my overall improved health. I can't attribute my results specifically to Resveratrol, but my personal belief is that it helped get me to where I am today.
Is there a difference between what companies tell us will happen and what really happens?
I think at this point any company that makes "absolute" claims are really doing the consumer, and the anti aging field, a major disservice. There just hasn't been enough research to say definitively that Resveratrol will do the same in humans that it has done in rats and mice. The research looks promising so far, but we just don't know for sure at this stage of the game. I can only hope that when all is said and done, Resveratrol can cure, or help treat, the major diseases it is being tested on, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Would you recommend someone start using it and why?
I am not one to recommend health products to people. I am willing to share my experiences with people, but I think it is up to each individual to decide whether or not resveratrol, or any supplement, is right for them. People need to do research and check with their doctor before taking Resveratrol. It is possible that it could interact with other medications and people need to be careful when ingesting any product.
What are those "benefits that outweigh the side effects" that people are talking about on the website?
People have reported many different side effects from taking Resveratrol. These are user reported, and not scientifically proven, so it is hard to tell what is actually being caused by the Resveratrol itself. That being said, I think it is important for people to share the good and the bad when it comes to Resveratrol. Some people have reported stomach pains, arthritic type symptoms, caffeine buzzed feelings, and several other effects. Many people are ok with these effects because they feel the benefits of resveratrol outweigh them. It all depends on the user. You also have to keep in mind that placebo effect can play a role with regards to what people "feel" they are experiencing when taking drugs or supplements.
With regards to physical benefits many users have reported increased energy, fat and weight loss, clearer skin, lower bad cholesterol and higher good cholesterol, improved eye sight, and increased mental clarity. Personally, I have noticed increased energy, healthier looking skin, mental clarity, increased body fat loss, and an increased tolerance to colds and flu's. For instance, I took Resveratrol for almost two years and during that time did not get sick. I stopped taking it for a few weeks and got sick twice in that time period. Prior to taking Resveratrol, I caught a lot of colds and got the flu just about every year. This could be a coincidence but I am leaning toward believing the resveratrol played a role in keeping me healthy. I also was able to lower by my body fat by over 8% in a relatively short period of time. Under one year. While adding a significant amount of muscle mass, strength, and improved endurance.
There are also "unseen" benefits that are potentially being gained. The anti aging benefits of resveratrol are the primary reason many people take it. This one is very hard to gage because it is difficult to measure whether or not lifespan is being extended. Many people are willing to live with potential side effects for the benefit of living an extra 20 years in a healthy manner.
Third, why the website and how popular is it?
When I was looking for information on Resveratrol I had a very difficult time gathering information. There were research studies to evaluate, however, I am not educated in the medical or scientific fields, I am a numbers guy. I did my best to get through the research and "self " teach myself about the terminology and procedures used in studies. That was all well and good, but I really wanted to know from people who used resveratrol what experiences they were having. I was unable to find this information but I knew there had to be others out there looking for similar information. So I decided at that time to create a website, MyResveratrolExperience.com, where I could share my experiences, pass along information I found on Resveratrol, and also give others a place to share their own experiences. To this day I still believe there are no other resveratrol websites like it on the web. It has grown in popularity and over 200,000 people have visited the site in the past 12 months.
How many testimonies have you received?
I am not sure what the actual numbers are but the site has hundreds of user comments and I have received emails from hundreds of other people. Some ask questions, while others share their own story.
Is there a resveratrol community?
The most well known community is found at the Immortality Institute's Website. It can be found here: Immortality Institute
Have you ever met some of these people face to face?
No, I have not met anyone face to face, but I have spoken to several site visitors through email.
Do you hold seminars?
I don't hold seminars because I don't feel I am qualified to do such a thing. I am more interested in facilitating user interaction and giving people a place to share and locate useful information.
Last, what about recent studies?
There are studies being published every month that have to do with Resveratrol. I can't say I read them all but I try to keep up with the important findings. I am extremely interested in reading the results of Sirtris's Phase II Trials. I also make it a point to pay extra attention to research studies that use humans as the subjects. There are several underway and I think we will get some useful information regarding the effectiveness of Resveratrol over the next two years.
Do you think Resveratrol is as effective as they say it is?
I think that depends on who "they" are that you refer to. Personally, I like to believe the science makes sense. I look forward to the science surrounding the benefits of Resveratrol to either be proven or disproved so we can move on with definitive answers.
Have you ever doubted the product you're using?
I have doubted Resveratrol as I tend to be skeptical of such possibilities. However, over time my doubt has turned into enthusiasm toward the potential benefits. As for the specific product I use, I believe they are a good company that is working toward providing quality products. It is a business however, and businesses are entitled to make money. Some people forget that fact when discussing the price and profitability of supplement suppliers. As long as it is done legally they are entitled to get paid for providing a quality product.
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