Study Finds Resveratrol May Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Resveratrol is a polyphenol, a naturally occurring antioxidant. It can be found in small amounts in red wine, grapes, berries, and cocoa. According to a recent review of available data, supplementation with resveratrol may help support healthy cholesterol levels when the amount taken is below 500mg per day.

Researchers from Southeastern University used data from 17 clinical trials that evaluated the effect of resveratrol supplementation on blood lipids. There were 968 participants included in the trials and duration ranged from 4 to 48 weeks. Supplementation doses varied from 10mg to 3000 mg daily

The researchers found that resveratrol supplementation significantly helped LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels – but not HDL cholesterol levels.. Results were better in trials that lasted longer than 12 weeks. Trials that used doses above 500mg were not beneficial, and data often reported an increase in LDL cholesterol, body weight and BMI.

The study was published online ahead of print on September 11, 2022 in the journal Nutrients.

A previous study found that resveratrol may help lower markers of inflammation.