Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in various plants, including in the skins of grapes, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, and peanuts. Its association with red wine has contributed to the illusion of the "French Paradox": the observation that French people have a relatively low incidence of heart disease despite a diet rich in saturated fats. If you were alive in the 2000s, you may remember cheering at the news that drinking red wine would protect your heart and help you live longer.

Unfortunately, this claim is not true. Matt, who describes resveratrol as the "most debunked longevity molecule in history", spent several formative years of his scientific career in the depths of the resveratrol saga. Together with colleagues, and in parallel with other independent labs, he demonstrated that the apparent miracle powers of resveratrol were likely an artifact of the experimental methods used to test resveratrol-induced sirtuin activation, and that resveratrol actually had no significant lifespan-extending effects in vivo. In this episode, Matt presents a comprehensive analysis of the existing resveratrol literature, transports us to his earlier years of figuring the story out piece by piece with colleagues such as National University of Singapore Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Physiology Brian Kennedy, and shares his views on how bad science can have a profound influence on scientific fields, funding allocations, and public behaviour.

Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis

Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.

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Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.

On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!