Resveratrol supports vascular function, study shows
Highlights
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial
- Supplementation consists of trans-resveratrol (75 mg/day for 6 weeks)
- Results indicate resveratrol supports vascular health
Summary
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was designed to evaluate the effects of trans-resveratrol supplementation on both flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and cognitive performance in obese, but otherwise healthy, adults.
For this study, researchers followed 28 obese adults with an average BMI of 33.3+0.6 kg/m2 who were randomly assigned to take either a single resveratrol supplement (75 mg/day) or a placebo, each for a 6-week period. Blood pressure, arterial compliance, FMD, and cognitive performance on the Stroop Color-Word Test were assessed at the end of each 6-week intervention period while the participants were in a fasted state and at least 18 hours after taking the last daily capsule. An additional capsule of the same supplement was then taken followed by an FMD assessment 1 hour later.
The 6-week intervention with resveratrol was well tolerated and resulted in a significant 23% increase in FMD compared to placebo (P=.02). The extent of the increase correlated negatively with baseline FMD (r=-0.47, P=.01). A single dose of resveratrol (75 mg) following chronic resveratrol supplementation for 6 weeks resulted in a 35% greater acute FMD response compared to placebo. These FMD improvements remained significant after adjusting for baseline FMD. Separately, resveratrol supplementation had no significant effect on measures of blood pressure, arterial compliance or cognitive performance.
These findings suggest that a daily supplement of resveratrol (75 mg/day) is well tolerated and may help support healthy circulatory function in obese adults.
