Yes, 100+ Is Quite Possible And Resveratrol Helps

ABC television recently ran a Barbara Walters Special entitled, "Live to be 150 - Can You Do It?" On the program, Barbara Walters interviewed several scientists with various theories regarding how to combat the aging process. One of the scientists, Dr. David Sinclair, made news last year when he reported that resveratrol, given in large doses in animal trials, can counter the effects of chronic health concerns of aging rats, leading to about a 30% prolongation of life and more importantly, an improved quality of life.
Dr. Sinclair felt that these results could potentially be replicated in humans since he indicated that our genes are quite similar to those of rats.

In fact, the National Human Genome Research Institute (a division of the National Institutes of Health) confirmed in a March 31, 2004 news release that the human and the rat genome are very closely related and similar.

The institute states "almost all human genes known to be associated with diseases have counterparts in the rat genome and appear highly conserved through mammalian evolution, confirming that the rat is an excellent model for many areas of medical research".

During the program, Dr. Sinclair remarked that he found this anti-aging molecule quite by accident. His research showed that resveratrol turns on certain genes which control the aging process. Dr. Matt Whiteman, a principal investigator and senior lecturer at Peninsula Medical School, recently commented, "resveratrol's antioxidant effects in the test tube are well documented, but our research shows that the link between high levels of glucose, its damaging effect on cell structure and the ability of resveratrol to protect against and mend that damage."

Aside from resveratrol's ability to turn on certain enzyme systems which help with the aging process, it also appears to stop damage by creating certain proteins which help prevent the production of free radicals. Studies indicate consuming several glasses of red wine per day appears to have favorable effects on longevity.

Unfortunately, consuming the level of resveratrol utilized in Dr. Sinclair's studies would require literally hundreds of glasses of red wine per day, not a good idea. It appears the optimal supplement level of resveratrol translated by milligrams per kilogram from the animal studies to the average human, would be about 200 mgs per day.

Another scientist interviewed in the Barbara Walters Special indicated that he believed the key to longevity was taking mega doses of vitamins, as well as one nutrient in particular called phosphatidylcholine. He indicated that phosphatidylcholine actually helps repair cells. Phosphatidylcholine belongs to a group of nutrients known as phospholipids. Phospholipids are incorporated in the membrane of every cell within the body.