From the Guidelines
Resveratrol cannot be recommended to treat NAFL/NASH due to a lack of efficacy data, as stated in the ESPEN practical guideline: clinical nutrition in liver disease 1. When considering the use of resveratrol, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the limited evidence supporting its effectiveness in humans.
- Typical dosages of resveratrol range from 250-500 mg daily, although no official recommended dose exists.
- The compound is generally well-tolerated, with mild digestive issues being the most common side effect.
- Resveratrol works by activating proteins called sirtuins that regulate cellular health and may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- However, clinical research has not conclusively proven its effects in humans, and its use is not supported by high-quality evidence, such as the study published in Clinical Nutrition 1. Some studies have investigated the effects of resveratrol on various health outcomes, including heart health, diabetes management, cancer prevention, and anti-aging, but the evidence remains limited and inconclusive 1.
- For example, a study published in Aging Cell found that resveratrol enhances autophagy and may protect against multiple age-related chronic diseases, but this was an animal study and more research is needed to confirm these findings in humans 1. In the context of NAFL/NASH, the ESPEN practical guideline: clinical nutrition in liver disease recommends against the use of antioxidants, including resveratrol, due to a lack of efficacy data 1.
- Instead, the guideline suggests that nutrition support, including enteral or parenteral nutrition, may be beneficial in patients with severe intercurrent illness or those who cannot achieve adequate food intake 1. Overall, while resveratrol may have potential health benefits, its use is not supported by high-quality evidence, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects in humans.
- As such, it is not recommended to use resveratrol to treat NAFL/NASH, and patients should consult with their healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
From the Research
Therapeutic Effects of Resveratrol
- Resveratrol is a nutraceutical with several therapeutic effects, including mimicking the effects of caloric restriction, exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, and affecting the initiation and progression of many diseases through several mechanisms 2.
- It has been shown to have beneficial effects against most degenerative and cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemia/reperfusion, and heart failure to diabetes, obesity, and aging 3.
Clinical Trials and Efficacy
- Clinical trials have focused on the use of resveratrol in cancer, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and obesity, with varying degrees of success 2.
- Resveratrol has been found to be well tolerated and beneficially influenced disease biomarkers in neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, but had ambiguous and sometimes detrimental effects in certain types of cancers and NAFLD 2.
- The efficacy of resveratrol in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, and heart failure has been comprehensively discussed, with current evidence suggesting that it is cardioprotective in animal models, but clinical studies are still limited 4.
Molecular Mechanisms and Bioavailability
- The molecular basis for the pleiotropic activities of resveratrol is based on its ability to modulate multiple cell signaling molecules, including cytokines, caspases, and sirtuin type 1 5.
- Resveratrol has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, glucose and lipid regulatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protective effects, which can protect against diverse chronic diseases 6.
- However, the rapid metabolism and poor bioavailability of resveratrol have limited its therapeutic use, with micronized resveratrol formulations showing promise in improving bioavailability 5.