Resveratrol Explained

Resveratrol Research in Humans

The health benefits of resveratrol – the antioxidant compound found in red wine – have been widely reported by mainstream media outlets and network news shows. Research studies in laboratories around the world attribute cancer-fighting, anti-aging, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to resveratrol. In humans, however, these benefits have only been demonstrated through the use of pure resveratrol directly onto the cell and blood. These attempts fail to account for the effect of the human metabolism on the oral ingestion of resveratrol and its subsequent availability in blood plasma.

Resveratrol Pills are Eliminated from the Body

Studies on the absorption and metabolism of resveratrol in humans have shown that the bioavailability of resveratrol in the blood is extremely low when taken orally in the form of a pill. Comparative studies have found that resveratrol pills taken orally are quickly digested and metabolized in the intestines and liver, and less than 5% of the oral dose remains in blood plasma as free resveratrol. This metabolic process is known as the “first pass effect,” and causes the compound to be eliminated through the digestive and urinary system soon after its ingestion. In consequence, even when large dosages of resveratrol are consumed in pill form, its concentration levels in the blood fail to reach those necessary to achieve the effects found under the test conditions in the laboratory. This has created much skepticism about the potential benefits of resveratrol supplements.

Intraoral Resveratrol Supplements Overcome “First Pass Effect”

On the other hand, researchers have found that buccal delivery is the most efficient way of administering resveratrol. When absorbed through the inside of the mouth without swallowing, the progressively released resveratrol component can be absorbed by intraoral mucosal tissues and pass into the systemic circulation directly. Studies have found that buccal delivery results in up to 250 times more unchanged resveratrol found in plasma compared to when taken in pill form. This efficient type of resveratrol ingestion can be accomplished through melts, orally dissolving tablets, sub-lingual tablets, lozenges, liquids and sprays. Very few products come in either of these forms. While some resveratrol pill manufacturers have added compounds to improve their absorption levels, this does not resolve the “first pass effect” issue.

EZMELTS offers a full line of orally dissolving tablets that melt in the mouth. Their resveratrol product melts in the mouth for improved absorption and bioavailability. The resveratrol dosage in their product is equivalent to that of 500 glasses of red wine, and its efficient delivery method is designed to overcome the “first pass effect.”