Resveratrol: From Mice to Humans
When Harvard scientists revealed to the world in late 2006 that resveratrol can extend the lives of mice on high fat diets and double the endurance of normally fed mice, the media entered into a feeding frenzy. The idea of a compound that allows someone to eat whatever they want, doubles their endurance, and extends their lives was a story for the ages. And the fact that the compound was found in red wine just added fuel to the flames.
Cooler heads in the scientific community, however, cautioned that the Harvard studies were conducted on mice – not humans - and that many studies that are promising in mouse models do not transfer over to humans. Many advised that resveratrol supplementation was potentially a waste of money until its effectiveness could be proved in humans. Further, they stated that one would have to consume ‘handfuls of pills’ to gain the type of benefits experienced by the mice.
Nearly four years later human resveratrol studies are beginning to roll out – and the results are very promising. Specifically, one recent study revealed that resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity in overweight and older adults (just as resveratrol has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in mice). Further, another just released study has revealed that resveratrol reduces inflammation and free radicals in humans – resveratrol has been shown to have the same effect in mice. Both of these studies indicate that resveratrol is acting in a similar manner in humans as it does in mice.
What’s more, resveratrol is apparently biologically active in much smaller doses than once thought. For instance, in the inflammation study mentioned above, resveratrol was found to be effective at 40 mg. per day. This is much less than the 1000 to 2000 grams suggested in 2006.
Also, resveratrol supplement quality – purity and potency - has improved dramatically since 2006. Whereas 15-25% purity was considered high in 2006, it is very common to find 98 to 99% purity now. And most supplement companies today sell the far more potent from of resveratrol , trans-resveratrol , rather than the less potent cis-resveratrol (editors note: even if 2 grams/day of resveratrol was needed to be effective, this dosage could easily be accomplished in as little as two 1000 mg. pills per day).
In sum, as more and more human resveratrol studies are published with positive results, and as the purity and potency of resveratrol supplements continue to improve, it is becoming increasingly likely that resveratrol will become one of (if not the) most widely used dietary supplement on the market. And, if millions of people are taking resveratrol, will the health of these people dramatically improve? How will this affect social security?
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Good points there. My take is that resveratrol is going to change healthcare. That is to say, it will prevent diseaes that generally cause people to die. It is life extending in that way.
Once the general population starts to take it, they will life longer. We will have to raise the social security minimum age requirement (which we may have to do anyway). The good news is that people will be healthier for longer, which will allow them to contribute to society (ie. work) longer. I see nothing wrong with that as older workers have a lot to offer (wisdom, experience etc).
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