Grape Seed Extract Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Grapes and all of their components have been used for many centuries, not only in medicine but also as beauty treatments. Today, grape seed extract as a nutritional supplement is still highly valued and is considered very safe to use.

There are few grape seed extract side effects and it is generally well tolerated, though interactions may occur depending on other medication you are using. Also, individuals who are allergic to grapes should not take this supplement.

The extract produced from seeds of the crushed red grape is said to be rich in antioxidants and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs). Such antioxidant effects have been proven, at least in part, when research indicated the extract increased levels of antioxidants in the blood.

Although certain compounds are consistently found throughout the plant, most have a greater concentration in the seed. Vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and in smaller quantities, resveratrol, are all found in grape seed extract.

The side effects are few and the benefits possibly numerous. Research is ongoing not only with regard to the potential within medicine but also dentistry and cosmetics.

Grape Seed Extract

Anti-Oxidant Supplement

Heart Health

Brain Function

Anti- oxidant

How It Works:

• Supports brain health & alertness
• Improves heart health & cholesterol levels
• Potent anti-oxidant & procyanidins source

Dosage:

Between 150 - 300 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Why is Grape Seed Extract Used?

Many people purchase grape seed extract for use as a preventative rather than restorative alternative supplement.

Some of the more common uses of grape seed extract include:

• Wound healing
• Eye strain (Particularly from computer usage)
• Improving metal alertness and clarity of thinking
• Aiding circulation
• Relieving constipation
• Preventing tooth decay

Some beneficial medicinal properties are supported scientifically, while others indicate further and more detailed research is required.

Preliminary studies have however found evidence which indicates grape seed extract may help with:

• Edema – resulting from either surgery or injury
• Lowering LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) levels in smokers
• As a preventative measure against some cancer cells
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency – findings indicate swelling and pain is reduced

Grape Seed Extract Uses

There is a growing field of research investigating the properties of OPCs and the benefits which may be provided to ADD and ADHD patients. Numerous studies have been performed which indicate at least in part that OPCs positively affect Dopamine and Norepinephrine.

Proponents point out that in some European countries, including France, OPCs as a compound of grape seed extract, are recognized by health authorities. Such recognition has done much to validate further research and, so far, the results have been encouraging with almost no serious side effects.

More recently grape seed extract has been found useful in dentistry. A study revealed that grape seed extract significantly increased dentin collagen stability. This finding may mean that restorative dental work in future contains some element of grape seed extract in dental compounds and resins.

Implications resulting from the dentistry findings may indeed benefit the cosmetic industry. The antioxidant effects and collagen stability are suggestive that grape seed extract may protect against sun-damage, improve cell-health, and boost elasticity.

Grape seed extract has been rated by the Natural Medicines database as Possibly Effective for chronic venous insufficiency. Research on grape seed extract have been very promising so far, however more research is still needed. At this time in the US, grape seed extract is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved grape seed extract as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Grape Seed Extract Side Effects

Current knowledge has established that side effects of grape seed extract are limited.

There is a standard precaution against pregnant or breast feeding woman taking the extract, primarily due to a lack of information on safety use in these groups. As well, because of the lack of scientific evidence, it is also recommended that children are not given the extract. However there are no recommended minimum age limits in place at the moment to indicate when it would be safe to treat children with grape seed extract.

A further caution is to anyone with an allergy to grapes, who should avoid using this extract in any form.

The most common grape seed extract side effects are relatively few in number and may include:

• Headache
• Itchy scalp
• Sore throat
• Stomach ache
• Dizziness
• Nausea

There is also some guidance relating to contraindications or interactions for who should not use this supplement. Recommendations are that you should consult with a clinician before taking grape seed extract if you are currently medicating with:

• NSAID painkillers
• Blood thinners (such as Warfarin)
• Cancer treatments
• Or suffer from high blood pressure

What is the Correct Dosage of Grape Seed Extract?

Proper dosage is dependent on many different factors, and it is recommended that you speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements. The following dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and your personal dosage may be different.

There is no standard dosage for grape seed extract, but a general consensus is that between 100 mg and 300 mg daily is a safe amount to take. At higher dosages of grape seed extract, side effects are still rare but the benefits may not increase in a dose-dependent manner.

Most preparations in tablet or capsule form are available in increments on or between this range. There are suggestions that products which contain at least 80% proanthocyandins are of better quality. However, reviews reveal little difference between products by varying manufacturers whether they contain this compound in this ratio or otherwise.

There are no guidelines available to suggest how long grape seed extract should be taken for and the long-term use potential for grape seed extract side effects are unknown. However it does appear to be safe when taken in conjunction with other alternative supplements and no adverse events are recorded.

When buying grape seed extract pills be aware that there is a product called grapefruit seed extract. This is not the same product, neither is it similar in effects.

Most products available are suitable for vegetarians. The cost per dose varies dependent on size and manufacturer and starts at around $0.12 per 100 mg capsule. Gluten free products are slightly more expensive.

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