Trans-resveratrol and its role as an ally in ageing

Interest in healthy ageing has grown notably in recent years. More and more people are not only looking to live longer, but to do so while maintaining a good quality of life, autonomy and overall wellbeing.

Within this interest in prevention, polyphenols, bioactive compounds present in plants, occupy a prominent place, especially trans-resveratrol in capsules, which has become one of the most studied and discussed, both in scientific research and in the field of food supplements.

But what role can trans-resveratrol really play in an approach to healthy ageing? Why does it generate so much interest? And what aspects should be considered before buying a trans-resveratrol food supplement?

Let us learn how cellular ageing works and what role trans-resveratrol may play in it.

 

 

Cellular ageing and oxidative stress: a key relationship

 

Ageing is not just a matter of wrinkles or grey hair. At the cellular level, our cells undergo changes that affect their ability to regenerate, produce energy and protect themselves from damage. Understanding these processes helps explain why compounds such as trans-resveratrol attract so much interest.

One of the most studied processes is oxidative stress, which we might define as the daily wear and tear of our cells.

Let us imagine our cells as a factory that produces energy and keeps the building in good condition:

Let us now look at what all this means in terms of free radicals, inflammation and senescence.

What is oxidative stress?

Continuing with our previous analogy, imagine our cells as small factories. During their daily operation, they generate energy, produce proteins and eliminate waste. However, this process generates free radicals, highly reactive molecules that, in excess, act like “sparks” capable of damaging machinery and structures within the factory.

• Cell membrane lipids → may oxidise, affecting cell integrity.
• DNA → accumulated damage may affect reproduction and proper cellular function.
• Proteins → may become altered, losing functionality.

When our body's natural antioxidant defences are not sufficient to counteract these sparks, what is known as oxidative stress occurs, one of the main factors associated with cellular ageing. This is where trans-resveratrol may help support these natural defences.

Studies¹ have shown that resveratrol may activate certain cellular pathways that increase the production of antioxidant enzymes, helping maintain balance within our cells.

Inflammation: the silent “enemy”

With age, many people experience low-grade inflammation, also known as “inflammaging”. This continuous, silent inflammation can accelerate cellular wear and contribute to the onset of age-related diseases.

In experimental models², trans-resveratrol has shown the ability to modulate inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB, potentially helping reduce the signalling that perpetuates chronic inflammation.

This does not mean it is a “magic anti-inflammatory”, but it may support the body's natural mechanisms for maintaining balance.

Cellular senescence: cells that stop helping too soon

As we age, some cells stop dividing and enter a state known as senescence. These cells “retire” but do not disappear, and they may produce molecules that promote stress and inflammation in their surroundings.

Preliminary studies⁴ suggest that trans-resveratrol may influence cellular senescence by supporting mechanisms that maintain the vitality of young cells and delaying the impact of senescent cells on surrounding tissue.

Metabolism and energy production: cells need efficient fuel

As we age, our mitochondria, the cell's “power stations”, function less efficiently. This can result in less energy, greater fatigue and increased accumulation of free radicals.

Trans-resveratrol has been studied³ for its ability to activate metabolic pathways related to energy efficiency, such as the SIRT1 protein and AMPK, which help cells to:

• Manage available energy more effectively
• Repair cellular damage more efficiently
• Maintain internal antioxidant balance

In simple terms: it helps the cellular factory operate in a more organised way, reducing the typical “disorder” associated with ageing.

How all this fits into a healthy ageing approach

When we talk about healthy ageing, the most effective strategy is not to rely on a single compound, but to integrate habits that support all cellular functions:

• A diet rich in polyphenols and antioxidant nutrients: fruit, vegetables, nuts and green tea.
• Regular physical activity: improves mitochondrial function and reduces inflammation.
• Adequate sleep and rest: allows cellular repair and natural detoxification.
• Stress management: reduces the production of free radicals and inflammatory hormones.
• Supplements such as trans-resveratrol: may provide additional support, especially in antioxidant and inflammatory pathways, when used responsibly.

Together, these habits can create a favourable internal environment in which cells can maintain their function for longer, and trans-resveratrol integrates as a supplementary ally supporting cellular and metabolic health.

Diet or supplements? Advantages of buying trans-resveratrol in capsules

Resveratrol is naturally present in some foods, but dietary amounts are very low. To reach the doses used in scientific studies, it would be necessary to consume unrealistic quantities of certain foods such as red wine or grapes.

Advantages of the capsule format

The use of food supplements in capsule form allows for a controlled and standardised dose, greater consistency compared with dietary variability, and the use of high-purity trans-resveratrol.

In addition, capsules allow formulation technologies to be applied to improve stability and facilitate absorption.

Bibliography

1. Health Benefits and Molecular Mechanisms of Resveratrol: A Narrative Review. Xiao Meng, Jing Zhou, Cai-Ning Zhao, Ren-You Gan, Hua-Bin Li. 2020. Pubmed.
2. Resveratrol attenuates ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesiveness to TNF-α-treated endothelial cells: evidence for an anti-inflammatory cascade mediated by the miR-221/222/AMPK/p38/NF-κB pathway. Chen-Wei Liu, Hsin-Ching Sung, Shu-Rung Lin, Chun-Wei Wu, Chiang-Wen Lee, I.-Ta Lee, Yi-Fan Yang, I-Shing Yu, Shu-Wha Lin, Ming-Hsien Chiang, Chan-Jung Liang ,Yuh-Lien Chen. 2017. Nature.
3. Resveratrol-Induced AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Activation Is Cell-Type Dependent: Lessons from Basic Research for Clinical Application. Fan Lan, Karen A. Weikel, Jose M. Cacicedo, Yasuo Ido. 2017. MDPI.
4. Effect of resveratrol and pterostilbene on aging and longevity. Yi-Rong Li, Shiming Li, Chi-Chien Lin. 2018. Pubmed.