Recommended Dosing for Red Wine Extract
The recommended dose for red wine extract (resveratrol) is 3-5 mg per day for cardiovascular health benefits, while higher doses above 25 mg per day may actually be harmful to heart health. 1
Optimal Dosing Based on Evidence
Red wine extract contains bioactive polyphenols, primarily resveratrol, which has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits. The dosing recommendations vary based on the intended therapeutic effect:
Cardiovascular Benefits
Low dose (2.5-5 mg/kg/day): Provides cardioprotective effects 1
- Improves post-ischemic ventricular recovery
- Reduces myocardial infarct size
- Decreases cardiomyocyte apoptosis
- Increases expression of cell survival proteins
Endothelial function improvement: 3 mg/kg/day has been shown to significantly improve endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic models 2
Caution with Higher Doses
- Doses of 25-50 mg/kg/day: Associated with negative cardiovascular effects 1
- Depresses cardiac function
- Increases myocardial infarct size
- Increases number of apoptotic cells
- Creates unstable redox environment
Formulation and Administration
Red wine extract can be administered in several forms:
- Pure resveratrol supplements
- Dealcoholized red wine extract (containing approximately 3.23 mg/L of resveratrol) 3
- Regular red wine (containing approximately 3.98 mg/L of resveratrol) 3
Mechanism of Action
The beneficial effects of red wine extract at appropriate doses include:
- Activation of nitric oxide production
- Inhibition of low-density lipoprotein oxidation
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Hindering of platelet aggregation 4
- Improvement in endothelial function 2
Clinical Considerations
When recommending red wine extract:
- Start with lower doses: Begin with 3-5 mg daily to achieve cardioprotective effects
- Avoid high doses: Doses exceeding 25 mg may have pro-apoptotic effects on healthy cells 4
- Consider formulation: Dealcoholized red wine extract may provide similar benefits to regular red wine without alcohol-related concerns 3
- Monitor for effects: The beneficial effects may require consistent administration over time 5
Important Caveats
- Red wine extract should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical therapy
- The bioavailability of resveratrol is relatively low, with much of it being metabolized before reaching systemic circulation 5
- Individual response may vary based on metabolism and concurrent medications
- Alcohol-containing forms (red wine) should not be recommended specifically for cardiovascular protection 6
While red wine contains beneficial polyphenols, the American Heart Association notes that alcohol should not be recommended as a means to reduce cardiovascular disease risk 6.