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Q. Recently I started taking resveratrol supplements because they are supposed to be good for you. Then I developed severe ankle pain and swelling, much like tendinitis. I was shocked to learn that resveratrol can cause this side effect.
I've stopped the resveratrol now and the pain and swelling are completely gone. I wondered if you have heard of this side effect of resveratrol. My doctor wasn't aware of it.
A. Resveratrol is a compound found in the skin of peanuts and pistachios as well as raspberries and grapes. It has gotten a fair amount of attention because rodent research shows that it may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity (Pain, Nov. 30, 2008). Some researchers attribute the heart benefits of red wine to its resveratrol content (Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, online, Sept. 18, 2009).
There are anecdotal reports of tendinitis associated with resveratrol on the Web, but no studies yet in the medical literature.
Resveratrol Reactions
I saw the letter from someone who had their ankles swell up from resveratrol, and would like to add my experience.
My left ankle became swollen, red and painful and pinprick sores formed, one at a time up to about a dozen. The sores became infected and leaked a clear liquid. The first occurrence became so infected that my pelvic and arm pit glands became swollen, and I had a reaction with hives all over my pelvic area and arms. (I have never had hives).
My doctor prescribed anti-biotics and steroids which took care of the problem, until a week later it came back again, a total of four times. My doctor was able to heal me with steroids after the first occurrence. I had thought that it was insect bites and did everything I could think of to prevent that. I was researching vasculitis and found that two blood thinning drugs can create similar symptoms to what I was experiencing. My wife realized that resveratrol works much the same way as the two drugs and might be causing my problem.
I had been taking resveratrol for several months and since I quit taking it about two months ago, I have had no reoccurrences. My doctor does not believe that there is any connection, but has no other explanation. What do you think?
Information Source:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/vas/vas_types.html
Hypersensitivity Vasculitis
Hypersensitivity vasculitis affects the skin. This condition also is known as allergic vasculitis, cutaneous vasculitis, or leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
A common symptom is red spots on the skin, usually on the lower legs. For people who are bedridden, the rash appears on the lower back.
An allergic reaction to a medicine or infection often causes this type of vasculitis. Stopping the medicine or treating the infection usually clears up the vasculitis. However, some people may need to take anti-inflammatory medicines, such as corticosteroids, for a short time. These medicines help reduce inflammation.
I always need to know the amt being taken, and it is seldom included how much resveratrol.
I started taking resveratrol also because it is supposed to be very good for you. I took it one evening. The next morning I had severe cramps and diarrhea. The cramps and diarrhea continued for two weeks. I called the company. They told me it might be the quercertin in the formula. I switched to another formula without the quercertin and the problem continued.
I have since stopped taking it. It has been two months and I am just starting to get back to normal. I realized that my mother had been very allergic to grapes. When she ate grapes and raisins it gave her severe diarrhea.
I can eat grapes and raisins, but am thinking the concentration in the resveratrol might be causing the problem. I am disappointed I cannot take it, but I decided the constant diarrhea would cause more of a problem than any benefit I received from the resveratrol.
The only comment I can make, is I also take Resvertol and have developed plantar fascists. I am going to discontinue the reservtol for a couple of weeks and see what happens.
Like Lisa's mother I can't eat grapes or raisins, and perhaps only a 6oz. glass of red grape juice a day without diarrhea. Now I know the reason why!
I have developed plantar fasciitis also. You have made me think. I wonder if taking the resveratrol is related.
I have just started taking resveratrol about two weeks ago....I woke up Sunday morning with what looks like bug bites, large welts on my shin on left leg, back of calf on the other leg. Both forearms have many round red welts, swollen and terribly itchy....driving me crazy.
Thought it might be spiders or bed bugs, but we can't find any evidence of any bug material. Just wonder if it could be an allergic reaction to the resveratrol. I also started taking Vitamin D3 and pro-biotic capsules on the same day. Could there be a reaction to the three taken together maybe?
HELP....I don't know if it's a reaction or a bug bite. I can see a pinprick dot in the middle of a lot of the welts....Please let me know what you think.