Overview

Resveratrol is a chemical that is naturally found in grape skins, certain berries, and peanuts. It is available over the counter as a dietary supplement. People take resveratrol for many different reasons, but its effects are not well defined. Side effects are more likely to occur with higher doses, and may include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or stomach cramps. Before taking resveratrol, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is resveratrol used for?

Resveratrol, a chemical found naturally in certain foods, is used for various reasons. However, the benefits of resveratrol are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use resveratrol include the following.

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• To improve memory and thinking skills
• Menopause symptoms
• Osteoarthritis

Note: The FDA has not reviewed resveratrol for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does resveratrol work (mechanism of action)?

Resveratrol is a chemical known as a polyphenol. It is found naturally in certain berries, peanuts, and pistachios. It is also found in grape skins and red wine. Some people claim that the resveratrol in red wine makes it a healthier form of alcohol. But any benefits of red wine are not well defined. The healthiest approach is to limit your total alcohol intake.

Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and reduces inflammation. It is thought that these effects might help to prevent heart disease and diabetes and reduce symptoms of menopause and osteoarthritis. But it is not clear if resveratrol is beneficial for these uses.

How should I store resveratrol?

You should store resveratrol according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of resveratrol?

The most common side effects of resveratrol are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are using. Higher doses are more likely to cause side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Bloating
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps

There may be other side effects of resveratrol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of resveratrol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of resveratrol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Resveratrol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking resveratrol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use resveratrol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take resveratrol.

• Resveratrol
• Trihydroxystilbene
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific resveratrol products they stock.

What should I know about resveratrol before using it?

Resveratrol is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep resveratrol out of the reach of children.

If you are taking resveratrol as a gummy, chew the gummy well before swallowing. If you are taking a liquid resveratrol product, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

The FDA has not tested resveratrol products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using resveratrol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know whether resveratrol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Hormone-sensitive cancers, including breast,ovarian, and prostate cancer
• Are receiving treatment for cancer, including radiation or chemotherapy

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how resveratrol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if resveratrol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does resveratrol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between resveratrol and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect resveratrol.

Does resveratrol interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are receiving chemotherapy, which is a type of medicine used to treat cancer.

Resveratrol may also alter the blood levels of some medicines.

The interactions between resveratrol and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with resveratrol is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using resveratrol with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much resveratrol?

If you or someone else has used too much resveratrol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Resveratrol is found naturally in some foods, including peanuts, certain berries, and grape skins. It is also available as a dietary supplement. The dose of resveratrol can be very different depending on the product you choose and your reasons for using it. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use resveratrol safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.