So which type of Resveratrol product should you take? There are hundreds of Resveratrol and Red Wine Grape polyphenol supplements on the market today, but it should be remembered that they are not all created equal. Three (3) things are very important to consider when choosing a red wine grape, or Resveratrol-containing supplement.

1. Mixed-polyphenols. Resveratrol supplements should also include a healthy dose of Quercetin and red wine grape extracts (remember again that 17 polyphenols in red wine grapes were found to activate SIRT survival genes).

According to Dr. Joseph Maroon in an article published by Bottom Line Health, in September 2009 (The Simple Supplement that May Prevent killer Diseases – All about resveratrol), “because Resveratrol absorption is thought to be enhanced when combined with other natural polyphenols, a mixed-polyphenol supplement is best.” [Dr. Maroon is a professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and author of The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life ]

1. High Resveratrol Dosage. Scientific studies in both animals and humans have shown that a high Resveratrol dosage is required to activate sirtuins. A daily dosage of 300 – 500 mg is recommended from data in both human studies, and animal studies (which calculate equivalent human dosages). Furthermore, studies reviewed by the FDA have shown no toxicity to humans even at dosages in the 5,000 – 10,000 mg range and beyond.

Dr. James Smoliga studied humans in 2006, giving them a dosage of 400 mg of Resveratrol along with red wine grape extracts. His studies showed a marked improvement in strength, memory, and endurance.

1. Resveratrol Quality. Not all Resveratrol ingredients are the same. The best Resveratrol is from polygonum cuspidatim (Japanese Knotweed plant), and is at least 98% pure trans-Resveratrol. Many products use only 20% or 50% purity ingredients. Supplements claims of “pure resveratrol” are meaningless without the percentage of purity. If the label doesn’t list the purity, you simply don’t know what you’re getting. Read the supplement labels and website specifications of products.

Equally important, the nutraceutical supplement should be manufactured in a processing plant that has important certifications including FDA, TGA, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), which ensure the supplement contains no contaminants and undergoes extensive testing. Again, check the websites.

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