Outcome
    Moderate Evidence

    Resveratrol for White Fat Browning

    Resveratrol's browning claims failed the same way its longevity claims did.

    Overview

    Resveratrol's browning claims failed the same way its longevity claims did.

    Verdict

    Not supported

    How It Works

    Proposed sirtuin activation and UCP1 upregulation in preclinical models.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    Not recommended for this purpose
    Expected timeframe
    n/a

    Protocol

    form
    Not applicable
    duration
    Not applicable
    co factor
    Evidence indicates no demonstrated effect in humans. Rodent studies show resveratrol induces browning of white adipose tissue - increasing UCP1 expression, mitochondrial density and thermogenic gene programmes, mediated through AMPK and SIRT1 signalling - and reduces fat mass in high-fat-fed mice. The doses used are typically 30-400 mg/kg, which scaled to humans would mean grams to tens of grams daily, far above what is tolerated. Human trials of resveratrol have not demonstrated meaningful fat loss, and the Timmers study, which did report increased muscle mitochondrial function at 150 mg/day, found no change in body composition. Browning has not been measured in human adipose tissue after resveratrol.
    titration
    Not applicable
    starting dose
    Not applicable. No human trial has demonstrated browning of white adipose tissue with resveratrol at any dose

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Rodent and cell studies suggested browning, but human trials show poor bioavailability and no metabolic or body composition benefit in healthy adults.

    Resveratrol, AMPK activation and mTOR inhibition in humans: a randomized controlled trial

    Score: 7/10
    2011
    rct
    n=11

    Timmers S, Konings E, Bilet L +3 more

    Resveratrol activated AMPK and increased SIRT1 and mitochondrial protein levels

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Bioavailability is poor and human data is consistently null.

    Less likely to help if

    Everyone - the effect requires doses that are unachievable and unsafe in humans.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    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.