Stress, thyroid function, and the brain’s GABA system form a tightly connected feedback loop. Because each system affects the others, disruptions can create a cycle of stress sensitivity, cognitive fog, and emotional imbalance. Understanding this interconnected network allows clinicians and patients to approach symptoms more holistically—focusing on stress regulation, thyroid support, and nervous system balance to restore harmony across the entire neuroendocrine system.
Laura Lewis, MS
In recent years, resveratrol supplements have garnered new attention in the realms of healthy aging (including physical signs and in the context of fertility), healthy weight and body composition, and the longevity of the cardiovascular system.* Naturally occurring in red wine, resveratrol benefits have been suggested to be the secret to the “French Paradox”: why the French population seems to have very low levels of heart trouble despite a high rate of smoking and a diet typically high in saturated fat (think cheese and butter).
Resveratrol Benefits*
Resveratrol has antioxidant activity, meaning it scavenges and clears out free radicals, the byproducts of cell metabolism and the cause of physical aging.* Holistically, compounds with antioxidant activity support healthy aging through mechanisms related to eye health, bone health, and heart health.*
Free radicals build up faster when we expose the body to toxins and stress, but increasing your intake of dietary antioxidants can help.* Supplementation with resveratrol skips the unwanted affects of alcohol.*
Below, you will find information on what makes resveratrol an excellent supplement to benefit the health of your heart, weight maintenance, and the balance of your hormones and fertility.*
1. Heart Health with Resveratrol*
Cardiovascular health is central to the heart’s ability to pump adequate circulation to meet the metabolic demands of organs and tissues. [1] So far, the most promising evidence of resveratrol has so far been in preclinical trials.
Resveratrol supplementation shows promise in mechanisms related to healthy blood pressure, arterial health, and many other aspects of cardiovascular health.* [2] It is likely that some of the beneficial cardiovascular benefits of resveratrol are mediated through activation of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and other endogenous antioxidants. [2] Resveratrol also seems to support mechanisms related to cytokine regulation, insulin sensitivity, and healthy lipid levels within normal limits.* [2]
2. Weight Maintenance with Resveratrol*
Resveratrol appears to activate enzymes that help muscles use oxygen more efficiently.* This means energy production process is more efficient, leading to more endurance and stamina when exercising. More stamina means a longer workout is possible, which means more calories burnt. This effect is likely due to the fact that resveratrol promotes production of molecules called sirtuins, which may, in turn, increase the number of mitochondria– the machinery inside cells that turn oxygen and glucose into ATP energy.* [3]
Clinical studies have shown that people taking resveratrol were able to exercise at the same intensity as those who were not taking resveratrol, while maintaining a lower heart rate and exerting less effort, without any additional training.* [3] On the cellular level, resveratrol also appears to increase the uptake of glucose by muscle cells, affecting production of mature fat cells and fat storage.* [4] This effect could also contribute to a weight management plan, as long as you are exercising and taking advantage of all that extra glucose energy.*
In both men and women, resveratrol supplementation theoretically may provide benefits that mimic caloric restriction.* [5,6]
3. Fertility with Resveratrol*
Female Fertility*
First, resveratrol can help balance estrogen levels in some women.* [6] Estrogen is not only produced by the ovaries, but also by adipose (fat) tissue. The problem with estrogen from adipose tissue is that there is no system that regulates it like the negative feedback loop that limits ovarian estrogen. [6] Optimal fertility requires healthy, balanced hormones.
Healthy ovulation is important for female factor fertility. Between five and six million women in the reproductive years in the US alone may not be consistently or optimally ovulating [7]. Changes in testosterone or other androgens as well as effects on body composition and infertility may result. Resveratrol has shown exciting promise in supporting fertility rates for women by supporting healthy levels of testosterone production.* [5][8]
Women with healthy hormonal levels and healthy body composition may also see beneficial effects of resveratrol on their fertility, especially those of a more advanced age. The number of viable eggs and follicles decreases as we get older. There is often a link between the loss of viability and the accumulation of free radicals, leading to DNA mutations, protein damage, telomere shortening, and apoptosis (cell death). [8] Resveratrol plays a role through its antioxidant activity, which include supporting telomerase activity, mitochondrial function, and gene expression that accompany aging.* [8]
Male Fertility*
That’s not all! Men’s fertility can benefit too. As men age, it is very normal for testosterone levels to slowly decline.* [9] Testosterone in men is important to support optimal fertility. A Korean study reported that men’s testosterone levels and sperm quality were supported by resveratrol consumption.* [9]
Bioavailability
There’s one hurdle: by itself, the bioavailability of resveratrol is very low, and the human body metabolizes it very quickly. The uptake of resveratrol by the organs that use it depends on its concentration in the circulation but circulating levels do not increase in parallel to the dose administered. The limiting factor in the bioavailability of resveratrol is inefficient absorption by the gut.* [1] Resveratrol typically breaks down through the process of digestion before it reaches the site of absorption.*
This is where piperine comes in: piperine is an alkaloid isolate from black pepper, that inhibits the metabolism of certain chemicals containing glycosidic bonds, a process called glucuronidation. When we take resveratrol in combination with piperine, the metabolism (or glucuronidation) of resveratrol is significantly slower, giving the gut more opportunity to absorb resveratrol, leading to a higher circulating resveratrol level, and more opportunity to induce its advantageous effects throughout your body.* [10]
Co-administration of piperine and resveratrol is intended to maximize the benefits of resveratrol.* Resveratrol should be isolated from a clean source of Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) roots and combined with piperine at the same ratio as was determined to be most effective in the study conducted by Johnson, et al. showing metabolic benefits of piperine on resveratrol.* [10]
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult your physician or healthcare practitioner if you have specific questions before instituting any changes in your daily lifestyle including changes in diet, exercise, and supplement use.
Laura Lewis is a clinical researcher and science communicator with a Master of Science degree and a background in nutrition science and integrative health. She brings a decade of experience translating complex clinical data into accessible insights for healthcare practitioners and patients alike.
Laura has contributed to educational programming and strategic content development across the integrative and functional medicine space. Her strengths lie in evidence synthesis, practitioner engagement, and crafting communications that bridge the gap between scientific rigor and real-world application. At ARG, Laura supports clinical content development and educational initiatives that elevate practitioner confidence and product credibility.