Is Resveratrol Dangerous?

Resveratrol occurs naturally in the skins of grapes and other plants. The antioxidant also occurs in wines made from grapes with a greater occurrence in red wines where the wine is fermented with the skins for a longer period than white wines. Resveratrol is credited by some for the low rate of heart disease found in French people who, as a people, have a number of negative heart health factors such as a high fat diet and smoking.

Safety of Resveratrol

• According to the Web site healthline.com, no definitive study of the safety and effectiveness of resveratrol has been conducted. There are obvious concerns that too much alcohol can have a negative impact on health.

Who Should Avoid Resveratrol

• The Web site drugs.com recommends people with blood disorders that may cause bleeding problems should only take resveratrol under the supervision of a medical professional. Due to its blood thinning effect, people with surgeries scheduled should discontinue taking resveratrol two weeks before the surgery and refrain from taking the supplement for two weeks after.

Resveratrol Levels

• According to the Web site zhion.com, a liter of red wine contains 1.5 to 3 milligrams of resveratrol. Resveratrol supplements are available. Levels and purity of resveratrol in the supplements varies with the manufacturer. Many of the supplements are extracts of the Japanese knotwood plant which contains higher concentrations of resveratrol than grapes.

Resveratrol and Drug Interactions

• People on or being considered for treatment with blood thinners should consult a medical professional before beginning resveratrol treatments.

Resveratrol Side Effects

• The Web site drugs.com reports few side effects.