May 26, 2014 – Resveratrol and Death

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ANCHOR LEAD: IF YOU’RE DRINKING WINE TO PROLONG YOUR LIFE, SUCH A STRATEGY MAY NOT WORK, ELIZABETH TRACEY REPORTS

Resveratrol is one of a class of compounds known as polyphenols, and was identified some years ago as providing health benefits seen in some people who consume wine, especially red wine, chocolate and other foods.  Now a study by Richard Semba and colleagues at Johns Hopkins looking at resveratrol levels, various diseases and mortality appears to contradict previous studies.

SEMBA:The take home message is that high levels of resveratrol as achieved through diet alone, as found in resveratrol-rich foods like chocolate and red wine, did not seem to be protective against cancer, heart disease, and it won’t make you live longer.   :14

The study found no longevity benefit with increased resveratrol levels, but does that mean you should give up chocolate and wine?

SEMBA: Absolutely not. I think people should continue to enjoy these things.  :04

Semba says studies looking at resveratrol supplements are not completed and his study sheds no light on supplementation with the compound.  At Johns Hopkins, I’m Elizabeth Tracey.