Over a thousand studies have been conducted concerning resveratrol and cancer. Most of the results are published on line, but they can be difficult for a layman to decipher. Here in simple terms are some of the results.

The studies have been conducted using laboratory animals or cancer cell lines grown in test-tubes. Researchers know how these cancers would normally grow or progress. They also know that certain substances will cause the formation of cancerous growth in animals or cause the growth of cancer cells in the test tubes.

This has made it possible for them to determine the connection between increased intake of resveratrol and cancer prevention, as well as the role that it may play in treating the disease. Over the last several years, the results of the studies have varied. A recently published study explains why that may be.

The researchers concluded that the results depend upon the dosage used, the duration of treatment and the way in which the trans-resveratrol was administered. Trans-resveratrol is the active form of the antioxidant. It is the only one that can pass through the intestinal tract and enter the bloodstream. So, it is the type that should be used in health supplements.

Whether or not we will ever have a definitive answer concerning the positive effects of trans-resveratrol in humans is hard to say. Some supplement companies are sponsoring clinical trials, but the methods that they are using will not hold up to scientific scrutiny. It is not likely that large-scale studies that do stand up to the scrutiny of scientists will ever be conducted. The reason being that large scale clinical trials are expensive.

There will always be those that say the relationship between resveratrol and cancer prevention is unproven, but proving it would be difficult to say the least. In addition, there are several factors that lead to cancer-formation and growth. The antioxidant only addresses two of them.

Free radical damage is known to play a role in most types of the disease and anti-oxidants prevent free radical damage. Chronic inflammation is also believed to be a factor. Trans-resveratrol is one of several natural anti-inflammatories. Exposure to probable and possible carcinogens is another factor. The more of these that you are found in your environment, the higher your body burden will be and the more likely that you are to develop the disease.

Although the majority of the study results concerning resveratrol and cancer have been positive, taking a supplement that contains only this ingredient is not the best way to protect your long-term health and well-being. There are other factors that contribute to age-related conditions, such as heart disease and Alzheimer's. There are other nutrients that have proven benefit in those areas.

Personally, I take a multi-nutritional supplement on a daily basis. It contains trans-resveratrol, all of the vitamins and minerals that I need on a daily basis, as well as numerous amino acids, co-factors, enzymes and herbs. I'm excited about the possible connection between resveratrol and cancer prevention. I just want to have all of my bases covered. How about you?


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