Not all Resveratrol Supplements Are Created Equal

Selecting the right resveratrol supplement can be a daunting task. The research and science behind this powerful antioxidant is impressive, but it hasn’t been studied for very long. There are many important things to consider when selecting a resveratrol supplement; including making sure that the one you choose is natural and not synthetic-based. It’s also essential that it contains trans-resveratrol, instead of cis-resveratrol and that it is sourced from grapes instead of Japanese knotweed. There are other important factors to consider as well, when selecting the best product. Much of the resveratrol on the market today comes from China. Because there have been problems reported in the news about contaminated products from China containing melamine and lead, it would be wiser to purchase resveratrol from a domestic supplier. Most resveratrol found in health food stores contain high amounts of a natural chemical called emodin. Although emodin has been used to reduce inflammation, some resveratrol supplements containing Japanese knotweed have unusually high amounts of this substance, which can cause gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea, stomach cramps and bloating. Prolonged use of emodin has been associated with an increased risk of liver and kidney damage. It would be wise to look for a resveratrol product that contains 100% pure trans-resveratrol without any synthetic fillers or genetically modified ingredients, such as Reziva, to be sure of obtaining the safest and most effective product.* Nancy Hirsch Certified Nutritionist