Red Wine Extract is a dietary supplement that is purported to provide the health-enhancing effects of drinking red wine without the negative consequences of alcohol consumption.
Red wine contains several beneficial compounds that act as antioxidants in the body. The primary active compound is resveratrol, which is a polyphenol that has been widely researched for its anti-aging effects.
This compound is associated with several potential beneficial effects, such as lowering the risk of heart disease, supporting blood sugar metabolism and promoting cognitive health. It is also believed to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Those who are unable to drink red wine or prefer not to due to its alcohol content can take red wine extract pills to obtain resveratrol and other bioflavonoids such as quercetin.
There is typically no alcohol content in many red wine extract products, which means that there is little to no risk of experiencing side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, confusion and other symptoms of intoxication.
Consumers who want to use red wine extract supplements should understand how these products work and what kinds of benefits they offer. They should also be aware of possible adverse effects and drug interactions that can occur while taking red wine extract.



- Has strong antioxidant properties
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Promotes healthy aging & cognitive function
Common Uses of Red Wine Extract Pills
Red wine extract has been used for several purposes due to its antioxidant properties.
It has been used to lower the risk of diabetes or improve insulin sensitivity in those with diabetes. It has also been used for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Other uses for red wine extract include lowering the risk of cancer and reducing elevated LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Red wine supplements have also been used for managing the symptoms of lung disease.
According to Doctor’s Best, the makers of a French Red Wine Grape Extract supplement, “Resveratrol and red wine polyphenols have been shown to support healthy cardiovascular function and promote healthy aging.”
This supplement contains a proprietary brand of grape extract called BioVin Advanced. According to the manufacturer, the whole grape constituents in this extract enhance the body’s ability to defend against the harmful effects of free radical molecules.
While natural medicine practitioners may recommend this dietary supplement for these purposes, the FDA has not approved the use of red wine extract as a drug for the treatment of any medical conditions.
Some preliminary studies do support benefits for heart health and well-being, but more research is needed to validate many of the therapeutic claims made about the effects of this product.
Effects of Red Wine Supplements
The main active ingredient in red wine extract is resveratrol, which is a naturally occurring hydroxystilbene molecule. In red wine, it exists in the active trans-resveratrol form.
This antioxidant is found in the skins of red grapes, but can also be found in mulberries, blueberries, bilberries, peanuts and some other plants.
This compound is thought to promote the dilation of blood vessels and lead to a lower level of activity in cells that are involved in blood clotting, according to MedlinePlus. [1]
It might also have benefits for long-term fat loss, maintain healthy cholesterol levels and help to improve some allergy symptoms. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates this supplement as Possibly Effective for improving insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Red wine supplements with resveratrol are purported to have benefits for regulating normal blood pressure and blood glucose levels, although more research on healthy subjects is needed.
A 2011 study published in Cellular Metabolism showed that resveratrol supplementation in obese subjects reduced high blood pressure and blood glucose levels. These subjects took 150 MG per day for 30 days. [2]
Red wine supplements might also be beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes. The results of a 2011 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that supplementation with resveratrol improved insulin sensitivity and lowered oxidative stress.
This supplement also activated the AKT pathway, which is a pathway that is involved with insulin signalling, cell growth and survival. [3]
Red wine supplements might have potential for lowering the risk of atherosclerosis, but more research is needed. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry showed that resveratrol reduces the risk of atherosclerosis in mice. [4]
Based on data from population studies, there is a correlation between the consumption of red wine and lower rates of heart disease. However, correlation does not prove causation and more research is needed to show whether use of this product in supplement form can improve risk factors for heart disease.
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, resveratrol studies have shown the potential of this compound to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in rodents and other animal models. However, the potential to prevent or treat cancer in humans is not known. [5]
How to Take Red Wine Capsules
Red wine extracts are available as capsules, tablets and oral supplements from Amazon, GNC and other online retailers. They are also sold in specialty local stores that offer health and wellness products.
These products are typically alcohol-free and contain varying amounts of resveratrol. Many of these products also contain other sources of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and grapeseed extract.
Some stores may not carry red wine extract specifically but may carry different forms of resveratrol supplements. It is recommended to use resveratrol sourced from grapes or berries as this is the form that is supported by the most available research.
Supplements that contain red wine extract vary in dosage amounts. Some products offer lower amounts, such as 60 mg, while others offer 500 mg per serving.
There are no standard dosage guidelines from the FDA available for red wine supplements. Those who want to take this product should ask their doctor about safe amounts to take. This will depend on age, weight, and underlying medical conditions.
A large number of consumers who use red wine extract have reported that these products help improve general health and well-being, although specific effects, such as a lower risk of heart disease or diabetes, are harder to rate.
A small number of consumers reported that they did not notice any health effects after taking red wine extract. A few reported experiencing mildly unpleasant side effects, including an upset stomach.
Side Effects of Red Wine Tablets
Red wine extract is generally safe when it is used in small to moderate amounts. According to MedlinePlus, resveratrol has been safely taken in doses of 250 MG or less for 3 months or less. [1]
Women who are pregnant and those who are lactating should not take supplements containing resveratrol that comes from wine sources.
Red wine extract has potential drug interactions that consumers should be aware of. Those who have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinning drugs should consult their doctor before taking red wine extract.
Resveratrol might help prevent blood clotting, which could theoretically raise the risk of bleeding. This compound might also lead to a higher risk of bleeding during surgical procedures and should be avoided for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Those who take medications that are broken down or modified by the liver should also talk to their doctor before taking red wine supplements. Resveratrol might slow this process down, which could lead to stronger effects or a higher risk of side effects from these medications.
Consumers who have a condition that affects their hormones, such as uterine fibroids, breast cancer or endometriosis should ask their doctor about the safety of red wine extract pills. The resveratrol in these supplements might have similar effects as estrogen, according to MedlinePlus. [1]
- MedlinePlus. Resveratrol. 2015.
- Timmers, S. et al. Calorie restriction-like effects of 30 days of resveratrol supplementation on energy metabolism and metabolic profile in obese humans. Cellular Metabolism. 2011 Nov 2; 14(5); 612-22.
- Brasnyo, P. et al. Resveratrol improves insulin senstivity, reduces oxidative stress and activates the Akt pathway in type 2 diabetic patients. British Journal of Nutrition. 2011. Aug; 106(3). 383-9.
- Berbee, J.F. et al. Resveratrol protects against atherosclerosis, but does not add to the antiatherogenic effect of atorvastatin, in APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2013. Aug; 24(8); 1423-30.
- Linus Pauling Institute. Resveratrol. 2015.
Article last updated on: July 8th, 2018 by Nootriment