Are There Any Resveratrol Side Effects?

Unless you have been living in a cave for the last year you have probably heard about the hot new longevity supplement called resveratrol. This compound is found in the skins of red grapes, and its most notable natural source is red wine. Unlike many other flash and the pan "Fountains of Youth" the benefits of this super supplement are viewed as legitimate by many of the top researchers and medical experts. Successful studies have been conducted on a wide range of lower level life forms, and human research is starting to show real promise, even if it is still in the very early stages.

It seems that resveratrol has the ability to activate genes that help to turn back the clock of aging. That makes this compound a very effective weapon against all sorts of age related diseases. One pharmaceutical company is developing a synthetic resveratrol drug and plans to market it as an anti-diabetes measure. Studies also suggest that it could be an effective way to prevent and fight cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease. Users of resveratrol supplements also report an increase of energy, endurance, and athletic performance. Many endurance athletes, such as cyclists and marathon runners, use this to improve their results.

Hearing all these benefits really gets most people very excited, and with good reason. If this compound can really do all of these things it could dramatically change the world. However, those who are currently supplementing this substance have reported a number of side effects. Some of them come from the dosage taken, while others will vary because of the user's unique physiology. We will discuss some of these negative side effects here, to help you decide for yourself if it is right for you.

Note: we will be referring to side effects as negative reactions and experiences to this supplement. There are many positive "side effects" and for a list of those check out this article on resveratrol benefits.

This is one of the main side effects that have been reported. However, the problem usually only comes from taking high doses of a low quality (50% extract) supplement. This is because such products often contain high levels of emodin. This can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea in those who have sensitive stomachs. A high quality resveratrol supplement should not cause this problem, as it will contain only small amounts of emodin.

Some people report joint pain in the hips, feet, hands, and back.  The second most reported side effect was the development of Achilles tendinitis.  It is thought to be caused by the chelation of copper (which is needed to form collagen) caused by taking extremely high dosages. Most users have found that when they lowered their dosages these side effects went away.  This has led people to believe that its cause by taking an amount of resveratrol in excess of what you need.

Some users have reported a feeling of anxiety similar to the jitters caused by caffeine. The same feeling lead to bouts of insomnia, often coming and going quickly and at random times. In most cases this went away after a week or two of usage. It is not known what caused this side effect, and it might just be caused by another ingredient in a low quality product. As with diarrhea, those taking a 98% extract have not often reported feeling this way.

If you are on a regimen that includes prescription medications you MUST consult your doctor before beginning resveratrol supplementation. It can act as the blood thinning agent which could cause serious problems if you are already taking a drug to thin your blood. Resveratrol may also have unpredictable reactions when taken at the same time as other prescription medicines, similar to those caused by drinking grapefruit juice.

That is for you to decide on your own, as well as with the consultation of your physician. It is your body and you need to decide what you do and do not put in it. The benefits and side effects listed in this article come from anecdotal evidence collected from user reports. It should not be mistaken for scientific evidence or for medical advice.

That being said, there are many people out there reporting great things about their use of resveratrol. People take prescription medicines every day to solve their health problems, knowing there can be potential side effects. Just listening to one of the hundreds of television commercials will often make it seem like the side effects might be worse than the problem they are trying to solve. People continue to use these because the benefit outweighs the small chance of these potential negative reactions.

Is having more stamina and endurance, while potentially continuing to live an incredibly active lifestyle late into life worth the possible side effects of resveratrol? As I said earlier, that is only for you to decide. Do your homework and make an informed decision.

The side effects tend to occur when taking a low quality supplement at extremely high dosage. To avoid this it is best to buy resveratrol supplements that are of high quality and 98% or 99% pure. If you ever notice any negative reactions to any supplement you take (not just resveratrol) you should cut down on your dose to see if it goes away. If the problem still persists discontinue use all together.