by Dan-N on August 10, 2010
Wow we are publishing a lot of articles on Resveratrol! It is not intentional, there have just been a slew of published studies on resveratrol released this summer.
The latest study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (yes it really is as exciting as the name makes it sound), shows that a relatively low dosage of resveratrol in humans can have significant health benefits.
Best Resveratrol Dosage Much Less Than Previously Reported
Husam Ghanim, PhD, of the University of Buffalo found that a dosage of 40 milligrams of resveratrol, taken once a day for six weeks, was able to reduce inflammation in test subjects. Inflammation in humans can lead to heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes – so anything that reduces inflammation is of great interest.
In the study, Dr. Chanim took twenty volunteers and broke them into two even groups of ten. One group received a placebo pill for 6 weeks. The second group received a Polygonum cuspidatum extract (Japanese Knotweed) pill that contained 40 milligrams of resveratrol.
Fasting blood samples were taken throughout the study and here are the results…
“Results showed that resveratrol suppressed the generation of “free radicals” — unstable molecules known to cause oxidative stress and release pro-inflammatory substances into the blood, resulting in damage to the blood vessel lining.
People taking resveratrol also showed suppression of the inflammatory protein tumor necrosis factor, or TNF, and other compounds that increase blood vessel inflammation and interfere with insulin action, causing insulin resistance and the risk of developing diabetes.”
- WebMD, Resveratrol May Slow Aging in Humans, By Bill Hendrick
As for the placebo group – they showed no change in blood levels.
Why This Resveratrol Study is Significant
There are three elements that we believe make this study significant. First, the study was done with humans. Human studies are always more significant that mouse studies (sorry to any mice readers we have). Second, the study used only 40 milligrams of Resveratrol. This shows that resveratrol can be effective in a relatively small dosage. Third, the study used a Japanese Knotweed extract and this therefore lends credibility to resveratrol supplements currently on the market that are made with Japanese Knotweed.
So, is 40mg the Best Resveratrol Dosage for Humans?
Not sure. First, a much larger study would need to be done to draw really significant conclusions on the best resveratrol dosage for humans. Second, it is possible that something else in the extract was helping along with the resveratrol. Third, it would be interesting to see if 100mg or 200mg produces even better results.
In the end, this study does not prove that any one dosage of resveratrol is best – but it does put to rest the claim that you need to be taking mega-doses of resveratrol (400mg and up) to see any health benefits. In addition, the best way to avoid resveratrol side effects is to take the minimum amount required to produce positive results.
Resveratrol Update – 10/8/10
As you know we try to keep things non-commercial here on the blog, but our friends at Perfect Supplements sent us samples of their Perfect ResGrape (200mg 99% Trans-Resveratrol per serving) and it is amazing. We said if we mention this to our readers, we need to give them an incredible coupon! They came through – 15% off the Perfect ResGrape! Just Click Here to Learn More and Order and enter COUPON CODE: SECRET15 at checkout for the exclusive savings!
Additional Resources:
“An Antiinflammatory and Reactive Oxygen Species Suppressive Effects of an Extract of Polygonum Cuspidatum Containing Resveratrol.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Jun 9.
by Dan-N on December 17, 2009
Millions of people have choosen to use Viagra (the brand name for Sildenafil). It is clear that the whole Erectile Dysfunction (ED) market has become a bonanza for the pharmaceutical companies. What is less clear is that many more of us are using Viagra (sildenafil) without even knowing it!
The Hot New Ingredient for Supplements – Sildenafil!
We first reported last week that a number of acai supplements were causing side effects. An investigation by Health Canada found that these acai supplements were laced with Sildenafil. It is clear that Sildenafil can have serious side effects and anyone using an acai supplement that contains Sildenafil should stop (here is the list of tainted products).
Now we have learned of more supplements that are tainted with Sildenafil. On December 14, 2009, the FDA posted a notice on its website regarding the recall of many sexual enhancement supplements sold by Atlas Operations, Inc. Apparently over 20 Atlas supplements were tested and they all contained Sulfoaildenafil, an analogue of Sildenafil. Of course since Sildenafil is a prescription drug it can not be legally used in supplements, and therefore a full recall was ordered -
Read the FDA Press Release on the Recall
Why Is Everyone Trying to Get Us To Take and ED Drug?
To be honest – we are not sure! We get why Atlas, a company that makes sexual function supplements would try to improve the performance of their supplements by adding Sildenafil. It is incredibly dangerous and irresponsible to spike a supplement with a drug, but at least we can see the motive.
It is a little more of a mystery on why you would spike an Acai supplement with an ED drug. You do feel the effects of Sildenafil, so maybe the idea is to try to get people to think they “feel” the Acai working right away.
Our Advice – Go With Trusted Companies
Some people will look at these stories and claim that they prove that all supplements are dangerous and unregulated. This is not the case. Supplements are regulated, and adding drugs to supplements is clearly not allowed – hence the recall. In any industry you will have dishonest companies – the key is to avoid these companies – not all supplements.
Our advice is to stick with trusted supplement companies that have a proven track record. You want to be able to contact the company with any questions you may have. In addition, do a search at the FDA website to make sure the company does not have any issues.
by Dan-N on December 9, 2009
A quick follow-up to our post yesterday – Who Can Explain The Mysterious Acai Berry Side Effects? In our article we talked about how we had heard reports of side effects when using Acai products, but it was probably due to other ingredients mixed in with the Acai. Well, it looks like we were partially right – it was from other ingredients, just not ones listed on the label.
How About Some Sildenafil To Go With Your Acai
On 12/8/09 Health Canada reported that they had identified a number of Acai supplements that contained the erectile dysfunction drug Sildenafil. Of course, Sildenafil was not listed on the label since it is a prescription drug. Health Canada states…
“The prescription drug is used to treat erectile dysfunction, but could cause serious side-effects in some people and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.”
Well, it looks like we just figured out where the mysterious side effects with Acai were coming from. Health Canada goes on to state -
“But it notes that sildenafil should never be used by people taking a nitrate drug, for example nitroglycerine, as it can cause low blood pressure. Individuals with heart problems taking sildenafil would be at higher risk of heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat. Other side-effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision and hearing loss, Health Canada says.”
Health Canada found traces of Sildenafil in the following brands: Anti-Aging Acai Berry, Guarana Blast, Brazillian Pure, Anti-aging Vital Rez V, Weight Loss VitalAcai, Dietary Supplement Acai Power Blast and Muscle Mass.
To Avoid Acai Berry Side Effects – Use Pure and Tested Acai Brands
It feels like we say this about 100 times a day, but probably worth repeating – if you are going to try Acai, stick with a pure and trusted brand of Acai. Our brand of choice is the the Perfect Acai, because it has just one ingredient – 100% Organic Freeze Dried Acai and is a well established brand with a strong history of safe usage.
Additional Resources:
Read the Full Story from Health Canada (with photos of tainted Acai products)
by Dan-N on December 8, 2009
Update: 12/09/09 – After you read this post, please read our next post – Acai Berry Supplements Found to Contain Dangerous Prescription Drugs – which probably explains this whole side effect mystery.
Over the past few days we have received a number of questions regarding the acai berry and potential side effects. It turns out a number of our readers were using an acai supplement and seeing some nasty side effects. We heard reports of upset stomachs, rashes and increased blood pressure and what felt like a “racing heart”. We decided to dig a little deeper…
What Happened to Acai Berry Being Side Effect Free?
As the Acai Berry is a fruit, it is generally considered to be free of side effects (unless you have a food allergy to Acai). In following up with our readers who had problems, we quickly located the issue. People using acai supplements with other ingredients added were the ones having the side effects.
Correction – Pure Acai Berry Supplements Are Side Effect Free
A product like the Perfect Acai, which is 100% Pure Organic Freeze Dried Acai – and absolutely nothing else added – is generally going to be side effect free. The problem is that many of the Acai products on the market mix in a wide range of other ingredients. The “Weight Loss Acai Supplements” are the worst when it comes to mixing in potentially unsafe ingredients. We have seen acai supplements loaded with caffeine and other thermogenic ingredients.
In emailing with the people who thought they were having side effects from Acai, it became clear that the side effects were mostly likely caused by the other ingredients in their Acai supplements.
To Avoid Acai Berry Side Effects, stay Pure and Organic!
We highly recommend that people looking to use Acai, stick with a pure and organic product such as the Perfect Acai. It is highly unlikely you will have side effects from a pure Acai berry product, and if by some chance you do, you will at least know your issue is with Acai and not some other ingredient.
Our Standard Disclaimer – We Are Not Giving Medical Advice
Nothing we say here should be taken as medical advice. If you have any specific medical questions you should consult with your doctor. While most fruits, including Acai, tend to be free of side effects – you should consult with your doctor before starting any new supplementation program.
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