Resveratrol Mimics Calorie Restriction

MAASTRICHT, The NetherlandsResveratrol supplementation for 30 days induced metabolic changes in obese humans that mimic the effects of calorie restriction, according to a new study that used using resVida® resveratrol from DSM  (Cell Metab. 2011 Nov 2;14(5):612-22). According to DSM, this study indicates resveratrol has the potential to combat conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.

The randomized, double blind, crossover study included 11 healthy, obese men who received either a placebo or 150 mg/d (two 75 mg doses/d) of resVida. Professor Dr. Patrick Schrauwen and coworkers from the Maastricht University Medical Center reported resveratrol significantly reduced sleeping and resting metabolic rate. In muscles, resveratrol activated AMPK, an enzyme that plays a role in cellular energy homeostasis; increased SIRT1, an enzyme that deacetylates proteins that contribute to cellular regulation; and PGC-1 alpha protein levels, which regulate genes involved in energy metabolism.

resVida also increased citrate synthase activity without change in mitochondrial content (citrate synthase is commonly used as a quantitative enzyme marker for the presence of intact mitochondria)  and improved muscle mitochondrial respiration on a fatty acid-derived substrate.

Furthermore, resveratrol elevated intramyocellular lipid levels (a marker inversely associated with insulin resistance) and decreased fatty liver content, circulating glucose, triglycerides, alanine-aminotransferase (a measurement of liver disease) and inflammation markers. Systolic blood pressure dropped and Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) index (measures insulin resistance) improved after resveratrol. In the postprandial state, adipose tissue lipolysis (the catabolic process leading to the breakdown of triglycerides stored in fat cells and release of fatty acids and glycerol) and plasma fatty acid and glycerol decreased.

These breakthrough findings suggest resveratrol may have an important role to play in combating metabolic disease," said Iris Kunz, R&D human nutrition and health, DSM Nutritional Products, and one of the studys co-authors. "Supplementation of the diet with resVida is an example of the lifestyle choices that more and more consumers are making as part of a strategy of healthy aging."

Previous studies have shown resVida benefits heart health and brain health.