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

Resveratrol: 2009 Year In Review! Bring on 2010!

As far as health crazes go, Resveratrol, certainly took the top spot in many categories in 2009.  What   started out as a relatively unknown antioxidant with potential anti aging capabilities turned into a debauchery of deceit by on-line marketers.

Once the big names mentioned it on prime time TV it only took a few days for the marketing machine to start it's work.  Unfortunately, this also spawned a numerous amount of "on the fly" resveratrol companies selling products with poor quality or very little, if any, good manufacturing practices.

It got so bad that between Acai Berry and Resveratrol the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) had to update and change laws regarding what type of promotional activities are legal and which are not.  The use of celebrity endorsements without permission or undocumented product claims is no longer acceptable; this is a good thing!  I commend the FTC for stepping up and protecting the consumer.

While I firmly believe that product promotion is a positive method for companies to sell products, it must be done in an ethical manner. This means bloggers, site owners, and anyone else must promote products in a way that is consistent with ethical practices.  

Resveratrol Interview For University Journalism Student

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.

Resveratrol Personal Update: Breaks, Sickness, and Continuation

Regular "My Resveratrol Experience" updates will resume!

In some of my previous articles I mentioned my supplement regimen, including how much resveratrol I take.  Part of this regimen is that I like to take a break from all supplements every 2-3 months.  In the beginning of October I decided to take an extended break from resveratrol and the vitamins I am taking.  Wouldn't you know... I ended up with a sinus infection and bronchitis beginning in the middle of October.

Now this could all just be a case of coincidence, but it certainly got me thinking.  I haven't been sick with anything more than a sniffle in over two years.  During this two year time period I began "getting" healthy again which included working out, an improved diet, taking resveratrol, and adding vitamins to my diet.  Needless to say I wish there were a way to tell if not taking the resveratrol or vitamins was the cause of me getting sick this month.  I guess I'll never know for sure!

Since I have not provided a personal update in a long time I want to recap what I have been doing with my health plan lately.  I have continued to eat fairly well.  I have a realistic diet that enables me to eat foods I enjoy while maintaining a balance with healthy foods.  

Prior to my supplement break I was taking 500mg of 99% Micronized Resveratrol in powder form mixed with juice in the morning.  However, I am going to switch back to capsule form simply because it is easier and less time consuming.  I will be taking 250mg on non workout days and 500mg on the days I train.  I also take a multi-vitamin twice per day.

Take Part in The "Fresh Air" Fund's 2009 NYC Half Marathon on August 16th!

The Fresh Air Fund, a NYC based non-profit agency, is hosting their summer half-marathon in NYC on August 16th.  If you are in the NYC area and would to participate you can get more information at freshair.org where you can sign-up to be a runner, sponsor, or contribute to the fund.

Please take a moment to read the information below, visit the freshair.org, and if you can please contribute to a great cause!

What is the Fresh Air fund?

"Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences in the country to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities.  Each year, thousands of children visit volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada through the Friendly Town Program or attend one of five Fresh Air Fund camps."

A little about Last Years Event:

"Last summer's NYC Half-Marathon Presented by NIKE was a huge success for The Fresh Air Fund, and we couldn't have done it without all of our Fund-Racers! Thank you to the dedicated runners who participated through our team and to everyone who came out to support us! We raised more than $125,000 which will go directly to our free programs for NYC children."

If you can't make it to the event but would like to contribute to this wonderful organization you can donate here: Give to the Fresh Air fund

Resveratrol, Longevity, and Living Life to It's Fullest!

Recently a close friend of mine asked me why I was so focused on "living longer" and not on the "now." I thought to myself this person must not get me because I am just as interested in my life "as I live it" as I am at prolonging it.

After a deeper thought process I became more aware of how people perceived me versus how I perceived myself.  While I am much less concerned about what people think of me compared to how I feel about myself, it is nice for those who are close to you to be able to understand who you really are. This level of understanding is what builds a strong relationship.

So I decided to write out my thoughts regarding what I am interested in from a longevity standpoint, as well as, in my current life.

Longevity to me is important perhaps for selfish reasons.  I want to live longer so I can be around my family and friends longer.  I want to see what the world will be like in 50, 75, or 100 years from now.  I want to be here to experience what many call the "Singularity."

Resveratrol Use & Lifestyle Change Personal Update

15 Months Later, Goals Achieved and New Ones Set!

Many of you have followed my journey to a new Healthstyle. Getting started was by far the most difficult part, but once I got going the rest fell into place.  Now I am eating well, working out regularly, and have a much greater understanding of how my body works.

I am often asked from visitors of this site if I think resveratrol was the reason for my health successes.  For that reason I wanted to make my answer to this question very clear.

While I believe resveratrol has played a role in getting healthy it was not the sole reason.  I think resveratrol acts in a supportive role to a healthy lifestyle. What I hope for is that by taking it I am getting healthy from the inside out.

What does "inside out" mean?  Resveratrol is shown to work from a cellular level by activating Sirtuins, Sirt1 in particular, which helps our cells regulate themselves.  Damaged cells are either repaired or die off, and healthy cells work more efficiently.

My Resveratrol Experience 1 Year Update!

A year has passed since I began my journey into Resveratrol, Anti-Aging, and an overall healthier lifestyle. My life has changed in so many ways over the past year.  I've lost weight, lost body fat, changed my diet, re-introduced myself to supplements & vitamins, and most importantly became a father.

I talked about making these changes for years, always thinking, "I would get to it."  The reality is I never got to it until "I GOT TO IT!"

It was easy to "talk the talk" because it was an excuse I convinced myself was sufficient. I was wrong, it was a terrible excuse! So when I actually started making the changes I was proud of myself and started feeling good almost immediately.

My resveratrol experience isn't just about taking resveratrol, it is about change, and the resveratrol was just part of it.  It was an outlet for me to express myself and share with others what I had learned.  It was, and still remains, my own personal therapy.

10 Months On Resveratrol & A New Human Study is Released!

I know, I know... I promised I would get updated blood work done in January.  The good news is I picked up the prescription form from my doctor, the bad news is I just haven't had a chance to make it to the lab.  With a newborn at home time has been a commodity I've had little of.

I will make it a point (pun intended) to get the blood test completed over the next week or two and post my results on my Cholesterol Page.  I will also be getting my body fat tested in the coming weeks as well.

Since starting the Nitro 250 Resveratrol two months ago I haven't noticed any additional changes other then some weight loss that may or may not be directly related to the resveratrol.  I have maintained  the same diet and exercise routine so there are possibilities the Nitro 250 has helped in regards to weight loss.  I am interested to see the results of my body fat analysis to compare it with previous tests.

The tricky part about analyzing whether resveratrol works or not is that if it is working, it may not be something you can feel.  If your cells are "more" healthy is that something you will notice?  It seems to me the only way to notice definitive, non anecdotal, changes would be with cellular testing, or living to be 120!  Perhaps the scientists studying resveratrol will come up with accurate ways of measuring the benefits and any potential side effects.

New Human Study Released:  Pharmacokinetic and Safety of Trans-Resveratrol in a Rising Multiple-Dose Study in Healthy Volunteers.

Funny Resveratrol Commercial, Good for a Laugh!

Just when I thought I had seen it all!  The other day I was doing my regular search on the web for information on resveratrol and I some how ended up on YouTube.  To my surprise there were hundreds of videos related to resveratrol.  A large majority were some sort of sales video, others were personal reviews, and a few were versions of the Barbara Walters and 60-Minutes specials that have aired in the past.

I of course wasted way too much time watching a bunch of them and actually was surprised by what I learned.  Just because a video is sales related doesn't mean you can't learn something new.  I digress.

A particular video advertisement actually stood out in my mind.  I am very interested in marketing and found this particular video to be quite funny and a step-up from other ads I've seen regarding resveratrol.  At least I felt it was worth the 49 seconds of my life it took to watch it.  (Note: I am not familiar with this company or their products, I just like the video)

  

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.

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.

A Realistic Diet: Good Foods, Resveratrol & Supplements - My Story (Part 3)

I use the term "realistic" often when describing my routines.  It's not to make you sick of the term, rather I use it to emphasize how important it is to be realistic about your approach.  Whether it's your diet, fitness routine, or your goals, realism will keep you on the right track.  If you think you can lose 40% of your body weight in one month you're just not being realistic.

When it comes to diet I am not overly strict about what I can and can't eat.  I don't starve myself by eating tiny portions of foods with little substance.  I focus on eating foods I like, that just happen to be pretty healthy.  For me this includes eggs, chicken, rice, several types of fish, sweet potatoes, and an array of vegetables.

Here's an example of what a day of eating looks like for me:

Breakfast -A whole wheat bagel, egg whites, slice of cheese, and turkey sausage.  It makes for a great sandwich.  The local bagel shop prepares them when I'm on the run.

Morning Supplements - Multi Vitamin, Glutamine, Branch Chain Amino Acids(BCAA's),  & essential amino acids.

Lunch -I typically eat a pre-made microwavable lunch.  A favorite of mine is turkey with sweet potatoes and green vegetables.  They are easy when you have time constraints and are filling enough to get me through a workout.

Realistic Fitness Program, the Next Step! - My Story (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this series I discussed the mental process I went through in deciding to change.  For me, that part was easy, it was implementing it and sticking to it that was going to be a challenge!

I knew going into this I would have to make it fun and challenging.  I like challenges and I can't stand to fail.  I often feel like I am competing with myself in my head.  The conversations I have with myself help to push me to not give up and conquer the goals I set out.  You might say to yourself, "Markus is a little crazy, he talks to himself, and has inner competitions.  What's with him?"  Well, I think everyone can relate to talking to themselves, we all do it.  I just try and use it to my advantage.  Give it a shot... you may be surprised at how well it works.

The Fitness Plan

As I previously mentioned, finding a personal trainer was key to making this work for me.  So I can't attribute this fitness plan to something I came up with on my own, rather it is the fine work of my trainer.

The idea behind this program is to workout efficiently and effectively:

The workout consists of 3 training days in which I am put through full body workouts in a 30 minute period of time.  This typically consists of 8 different exercises targeting your legs, chest, back, and arms.  There is also a great deal of emphasis on your "core", or the trunk area of your body.  During any exercise you should maintain a solid core which gives you balance and stability to safely complete an exercise.

Taking Resveratrol, Getting Healthy, & Future Health - My Story! (Part 1)

After several requests for how I "got myself back on track" I thought it would be appropriate to detail my actions of the past 12 months.  My goal is to pass along a realistic approach to getting healthy. 

This past February I was out-of-shape, eating poorly, always tired, and feeling negative.  Never in a million years did I think in less then 12 months it would all change.  What surprises me the most... it wasn't that hard!

What causes a person to change?

You see the headlines on a daily basis, "Exercising Leads to a Healthier Heart," or, "A Low Fat Diet Reduces the Risk of Diabetes."  Headlines like these are the norm.  Most of us are conditioned to read them but do not fully take notice of what they are saying.  How many times has reading an article changed your life?  I'm guessing not many.

In order for most people to change their life one of the following circumstances needs to occur:

- A life changing event such as a bad accident, medical problem, or the death of a loved one.
- You need to stop making excuses as to why you can't make change happen.
- You need to act on your desire for change.  This means, "you have to walk-the-walk and not just talk-the-talk."

Many people think changing your life means you have to turn it upside down.  Well get those thoughts out of your head, it's just not so!  You need to enjoy your new lifestyle and you can't make that happen without a realistic approach to getting healthy.

What gave me the desire to change?

Resveratrol Experience: 7th Month Update

What a difference a week makes!

Every 8-12 weeks I like to take time off from all supplements.  I call it "Body Cleansing Mode."  For seven days I stop taking all supplements and vitamins in hopes to reset my body.  Some people say there is no need to do this while others claim it's beneficial to give your body a break.

I don't have any scientific reasons for doing this other then how it makes me feel and the feedback I get from my body.  I look at it like this.  When you are taking supplements and vitamins you get comfortable with them and it's difficult to know how they are working.  You get used to the extra energy or better nights sleep.  So when I stop taking them I am much more aware of their effects.

For the past 7 days I went through this cleansing and the differences I felt were extremely obvious.  As many of you know I have an intense gym routine that puts me through three sets of eight different exercises in a 30 minute period of time.  (I will be detailing my fitness & supplement regimen in a future post)  I do this 3 days a week as my body needs to recover in between each session.