Pterostilbene for Heart Health Support
One human trial found lipid and blood pressure changes, though LDL rose at higher doses.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- Studied at 50-250 mg/day; blood pressure fell modestly but LDL cholesterol rose at the higher dose
- Expected timeframe
- 6-8 weeks
Protocol
- form
- Pterostilbene, with or without grape extract - the trial found grape extract attenuated the LDL rise
- duration
- 6-8 weeks was the trial duration; longer-term safety is unknown
- co factor
- Take with food. Evidence is mixed and internally contradictory. The Riche randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults with hypercholesterolaemia found pterostilbene reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by clinically modest amounts - roughly 7 mmHg systolic at the higher dose - and improved some measures, but simultaneously raised LDL cholesterol at 250 mg/day, an effect attenuated when grape extract was co-administered. Preclinical work shows favourable effects on lipids, endothelial function and inflammation in rodents, which did not reproduce here. No trial has examined cardiovascular events.
- titration
- Do not escalate to 250 mg/day, the dose at which LDL cholesterol increased
- starting dose
- If used at all, the lower studied dose of 50 mg twice daily, given the LDL finding at 250 mg/day
Evidence
What the studies say
No studies are yet linked to both Pterostilbene and Heart Health Support.
Safety
Caveats
This pairing carries a specific and unusual safety signal: the compound lowered blood pressure but raised LDL cholesterol at 250 mg/day in the only substantial human trial, which is a poor trade for someone managing cardiovascular risk. If used, stay at the lower dose and check a lipid panel at 8-12 weeks. For cardiovascular risk, the evidence sits with blood pressure control, statins, smoking cessation, physical activity, weight management and diabetes control - do not substitute pterostilbene for any of these or stop prescribed medication. Human safety data cover about 8 weeks only, long-term safety is unknown, and no upper intake level exists. Pterostilbene inhibits CYP enzymes in vitro and may have antiplatelet effects, so use caution with warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs and narrow-therapeutic-index medication, and stop before surgery. Because it lowers blood pressure, monitor for dizziness or hypotension if taking antihypertensives, and discuss with your prescriber rather than adjusting doses alone. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, as no safety data exist. Chest pain, breathlessness on exertion or palpitations need medical assessment rather than supplementation.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
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Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.