There isn't a real scientific debate to have about its use in humans, since there are no large published studies showing it has positive (or negative) effects on the diseases and conditions it's being marketed to help or, for that matter, that it's safe over the long term, according to Nutrition Action. That hasn't stopped it from being "promoted for a wide range of uses, including the prevention of heart disease and cancer and improving cholesterol levels," and, based on unconfirmed theories, "proposed as an inhaled treatment for some lung disorders and for prevention and treatment of HIV infection," says the ConsumerLab.com review. Thanks to many vocal fans, and a much-viewed 60 Minutes segment, people are spending lots of money on the stuff.
If you are going to take a resveratrol supplement, be aware that package labels can be misleading. Cooperman warns that 300 milligrams of a "red wine complex" or "proprietary formula" is not the same as 300 milligrams of resveratrol itself. Look for specific amounts of individual ingredients, he advises.
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