“In a study of resveratrol and its metabolites, the metabolites were found to peak after 60 minutes. On the other hand, the same study on trans resveratrol showed that the metabolites peaked at only 30 minutes. It’s unknown whether its greater bioavailability makes a difference in how well it functions as an active product.
Studies in humans on trans-resveratrol are few and far between. It’s the metabolites of these substances that hang around most of the time and it isn’t known how effective these metabolites are in being good antioxidants.
Resveratrol is also known as 3,4,5-trihydroxystilbene—one of many compounds called stilbenes made by plants in response to UV radiation, stress, infection or injury. It is fat soluble so it is best absorbed in a micronized or enteric-coated form. It came to the attention of the medical community after it was found in red wine—long known to prolong life in those who drink it regularly. Since its discovery in 1992, it is believed to be the cause of the “French Paradox”, in which the French live longer and have less heart disease than Americans and other Europeans who do not drink much red wine.”
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