Effects of Resveratrol on Endothelial Function in Resistance Trained Males

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Resveratrol (RES), a polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been investigated for potential cardiovascular (CV) benefits via improved endothelial function. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), the criterion non-invasive assessment of vascular reactivity, has been utilized as a risk evaluation tool due to its sensitivity in predicting future CV events. Despite the observed benefits of RES supplementation in at-risk populations, the cardioprotective effects in physically active individuals are controversial. RES supplementation may neutralize the exercise-induced adaptations reliant on transient oxidative stress. While resistance training (RT) has been shown to improve vascular health, it remains unclear whether concurrent RES use is beneficial, benign, or detrimental in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of a novel cold-water dispersible RES supplement on endothelial function in physically active RT males.

METHODS:

Nineteen RT males (20.7±1.4 yrs, 26.9±3.8 kg/m2) completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. All participants met the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommendations of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and twice weekly muscle-strengthening activities targeting all major muscle groups, for at least six months. Participants were randomized in a counter-balanced fashion to consume RES (500 mg·d⁻1) or placebo (PLA) for 14 days, separated by an 18-day washout. Brachial artery FMD assessments were completed at baseline and after each supplementation period. Standardization of FMD procedures was conducted following established guidelines. Outcome variables included changes in FMD percentage (FMD%), shear area-under-the-curve (AUC), and normalized FMD to shear AUC (FMD-AUC). Data were analyzed via repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical significance was set at p< .05.

RESULTS:

Supplementation did not significantly affect FMD% (p =.410). The observed differences across conditions (Baseline: 6.99 ± 1.67; PLA: 6.2±1.74; RES: 6.59 ± 1.87) represented a medium effect size ( n2p= .062). No significant effects were observed for treatment order, shear AUC, or FMD-AUC.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fourteen days of RES supplementation did not alter endothelial function in physically active RT males. These non-significant findings suggest that the established benefits of physical activity are not necessarily enhanced with RES supplementation. Researchers suggest shifting the focus from physically active cohorts, where effects may be masked by baseline health, to disease-vulnerable populations. Future studies should investigate the potential interactive effect of a structured exercise program versus RES supplementation in sedentary individuals to further assess the potential benefits of RES for primary and secondary CV prevention.

Research Highlights

  • The Problem: Researchers sought to determine if 14 days of Resveratrol (RES) supplementation (500 mg/d) enhances or impairs endothelial function, specifically flow-mediated dilation (FMD), in physically active males who perform regular resistance training.
  • The Method: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted with 19 resistance-trained males (mean age 20.7±1.4 years; BMI 26.9±3.8 kg/m²) using a 14-day supplementation period and an 18-day washout.
  • Quantitative Finding: Supplementation did not significantly affect FMD% (p = .410); baseline FMD% was 6.99 ± 1.67 compared to 6.2 ± 1.74 for placebo and 6.59 ± 1.87 for RES; the observed difference represented a medium effect size (np2= .062).
  • Finding: Fourteen days of RES supplementation does not alter vascular reactivity in healthy, physically active populations, suggesting that existing exercise-induced adaptations may mask the potential cardioprotective benefits of the polyphenol.

DOI

10.31189/2165-7629-15-s1.21

Publication Date

2-2026

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