Can I substitute Resveratrol for my daily dose of Coumadin (warfarin)?

Couldn't I just substitute 250 mg Resveratrol capsules for my daily 8 mg dosage of Warfarin? Why should I, age 61, who also take 14 units of Lantus insulin for my diabetes, not benefit from the new findings about resveratrol?

The Health meets Food Team Says...

Resveratrol is one of the substances that is found in wine and grape juice. There is a feeling that this might be a chemical that contributes to the benefits of drinking these beverages. The molecule has been isolated and is being tested in all kinds of non-human subjects now. While some of that research is encouraging, there is only a single human research study that is even close to positive. That is a small research study but did show some mild lowering of blood sugar.

To stop taking medications such as warfarin or insulin in favor of using unproven therapies is not something that any responsible physician could recommend. Time and time again we have had encouraging results from animal studies and small human trials on various supplements only to find in large trials that they are worthless (and in some cases harmful).

You should never stop any medication prescribed by your doctor without talking with him or her first.

Thanks for writing

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