Resveratrol Boosts Bone Density in Postmenopausal Women (2020 Study)

observational-study PMID: 32564438

Quick Summary: A recent study found that taking resveratrol supplements daily helped improve bone density in the spine of postmenopausal women. This suggests resveratrol might help support bone health.

What The Research Found

The study showed that women taking resveratrol supplements had a significant increase in bone density in their lower back (lumbar spine) after 12 months compared to those who didn't take it.

Study Details

Who was studied: 80 postmenopausal women.

How long: The study lasted 24 months, but the main results were seen after 12 months.

What they took: Participants took 75 mg of resveratrol twice a day (150 mg total) in capsule form.

What This Means For You

If you're a postmenopausal woman, this research suggests that taking resveratrol supplements (150mg/day) might help support your bone health, specifically in your spine. However, it's important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.

Study Limitations

The study only looked at bone density, not whether it prevented fractures.

The study was relatively small, so more research is needed.

The study focused on lumbar spine bone density, not other areas like the hip.

The study design may have had carryover effects.

Key Findings

This study demonstrated that daily resveratrol supplementation (150 mg/day) significantly increased lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women after 12 months compared to placebo. The primary conclusion was that resveratrol exerts a bone-protective effect in this population, supporting its potential role in mitigating postmenopausal bone loss. No significant effects were reported for other bone sites (e.g., hip) within the 12-month analysis period.

Study Design

This was a 24-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover trial (RESHAW trial). Eighty postmenopausal women (mean age ~57 years) were randomized to receive either resveratrol (75 mg twice daily) or placebo for 12 months, followed by a 1-month washout and crossover to the alternate treatment for another 12 months. Bone density was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline and 12 months. The analysis focused on the first 12-month period to avoid carryover effects.

Dosage & Administration

Participants received 75 mg of resveratrol orally twice daily (total 150 mg/day) in capsule form. The placebo group received identical inert capsules. Supplementation was administered for 12 consecutive months during the initial treatment period, with adherence monitored.

Results & Efficacy

Resveratrol significantly increased lumbar spine BMD by +0.016 ± 0.003 g/cm² compared to placebo after 12 months (p < 0.001). This represents a relative improvement of approximately 0.8-1.0% over placebo. The effect was specific to the lumbar spine; no statistically significant changes were observed in total hip or femoral neck BMD. The p-value (<0.001) indicates high statistical significance, with the reported mean difference and standard error confirming a robust treatment effect.

Limitations

Key limitations include the single-site recruitment (potential selection bias), the crossover design risking residual carryover effects despite the washout period, and the relatively modest sample size (n=80) limiting subgroup analyses. The study measured BMD but not clinical fracture outcomes, which are the ultimate indicator of osteoporosis treatment efficacy. Additionally, the population consisted of generally healthy postmenopausal women, so results may not generalize to those with established osteoporosis or comorbidities.

Clinical Relevance

For postmenopausal women seeking non-pharmaceutical bone health support, this study provides evidence that 150 mg/day of resveratrol may help maintain or modestly improve lumbar spine density over 12 months. However, it should not replace established osteoporosis treatments. Users should note this dose (150 mg/day) is higher than typical dietary intake from foods like red wine or grapes. Consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before starting supplementation, especially for individuals on osteoporosis medications or with hormone-sensitive conditions. Long-term fracture risk reduction remains unproven.