If you are looking for a resveratrol recommended dosage for a specific health problem, you might ask a practitioner of traditional Japanese or Chinese herbal medicine about the appropriate dose of Japanese knotweed. Of course, they would only recommend the plant for use as a laxative, to relieve constipation or promote regularity.

Japanese knotweed is the most concentrated source of resveratrol and is the source for most dietary supplements. It is found in grape skins and peanuts, too. But, the supplement only appeared on shelves after news reports proclaimed that it was “the” compound in red wine that accounted for the health benefits of the beverage.

Later, conflicting research concluded that it could not account for the benefits, because the concentration was too low. That result never made it to the mass media. When the studies about red wine were released, vineyards wanted to have it classified as a “health food”. People, wanting to do everything that they can for their health, are prone to jump on the bandwagon and drive up demand for foods, beverages and supplements. That's what happened with resveratrol supplements in 2006.

There are dozens of different manufacturers and none of them seem to agree on a daily resveratrol recommended dosage. Generally, if you wanted this kind of dietary supplement, you would be interested in the protective or preventative benefits, such as those that pertain to the heart and to preventing cancer. But, if you greatly exceed the amount that is present in nature, there could be a problem.

A liter of red wine with the highest concentration would only contain 12.59mg of the compound. The dried knotweed root contains as much as 187mg/kg or .187mg/gram. So, if a practitioner suggested 24 grams to relieve severe constipation, the patient would only receive about 4.48mg of resveratrol.

If a supplement company lists a resveratrol recommended dosage at 200mg or higher, you will almost surely experience diarrhea, which could lead to dehydration and is not beneficial for your health. At higher dosages, which are found in some of the supplements on the market, all of the known health benefits of this potent antioxidant are negated, because it becomes a pro-oxidant, meaning that it is something like a free radical, which is what antioxidants normally neutralize.

There is a lot of misinformation on the internet. Let me set the record straight. For the long-term health benefits of decreased cancer risk and cardiovascular health, a 20-50mg daily dose is sufficient. That's according to a well respected chemist, nutritionist and doctor of naturopathic medicine.

He suggests that this resveratrol recommended dosage be combined with other beneficial extracts and essential nutrients that will allow you to feel better and possibly, live longer. What we want to strive for is the “optimal” nutritional intake. All of the basic vitamins, minerals and amino acids contribute to our long-term health and longevity.

There is no single stand-alone nutrient that is more beneficial to your health than any other. Consider this resveratrol recommended dosage a single part of your complete daily nutritional intake.