Resveratrol

Resveratrol and its properties

Resveratrol is the first discovered Salvestrol. It is a special substance known for its supportive effect on heart and blood vessels.

Scientific studies continue to be conducted on this valuable substance, each time revealing new properties. Unfortunately, due to legislation, we are not yet allowed to provide further information about it.

Different resveratrols

There are several resveratrols, of which trans-resveratrol and trans-pterostilbene are currently the best known and (as far as we know) most important. The addition "trans" here means that at the molecular level the double bonds in the carbon chain are on different sides.

Like resveratrol, pterostilbene belongs to the phytoalexins or phytoalexins. These substances are naturally produced by plants to protect themselves from harmful external influences, such as UV radiation, fungi, viruses, etc.

Forms of resveratrol

Trans-resveratrol comes in three forms: natural extract, microbial and synthetic. The resveratrol in these three forms is identical.

The natural extracts from the root of Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) and from the bark of the Indian kino tree (Pterocarpus marsupium) contain many other natural substances besides trans-resveratrol, including other resveratrols, these have not yet been studied. Microbial and synthetic resveratrol contain only trans-resveratrol.

Trans-pterostilbene is a methylated naturally occurring form of resveratrol and has better absorption and metabolic stability in the body.

Foods containing resveratrol

Red grapes are relatively rich in resveratrol, but apples, cocoa, peanuts, nuts, (blue) currants and plums also contain resveratrol.

Resveratrol in supplements

There are many resveratrol supplements on the market. The advantage of resveratrol in supplement form is that you can be sure about the amount of active ingredient you are ingesting. Today, there are also formula products of which resveratrol is an important part. This is because resveratrol can work synergistically in combination with other nutrients, enhancing its effect.

Safety of resveratrol

Some manufacturers use resveratrol from plant parts; others choose synthetic resveratrol as the raw material for their supplements. Natural resveratrol can be sensitive to contamination with PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons).

It is therefore important to know if the supplier uses a clean source of resveratrol and can guarantee that the PAHs values are within the legal standard. Smeets & Graas regularly tests the resveratrol products imported for purity. Should a particular batch not meet the standard, it will be recalled immediately. This way you as a customer can be sure of the quality and purity.

Resveratrol is often combined with:

• Quercetin
• Pterostilbene
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K2

Written by: Marcella van der Wel
Reviewed by: Liesbeth Thoen

Updated: July 3, 2023