I take resveratrol every single day — alongside NMN, chlorella, and wheatgrass. I've been taking both resveratrol and NMN together for over a year now, and the effects I've noticed — steadier energy and genuinely better skin — have kept them firmly in my routine. They're two of the supplements I feel most strongly about, and the science behind why they work so well together is compelling. It's one of those combinations that works quietly in the background, protecting and supporting your cells in ways you can't always see but absolutely feel over time.

Here's what resveratrol actually is, what the science says, and why it's particularly powerful when taken alongside NMN.

What Is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol — a plant compound produced by certain plants in response to stress, injury, or infection. It's found in the skin of red grapes, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, and peanuts, and is the compound most associated with the so-called "French paradox" — the observation that French people, despite a diet relatively high in saturated fat, have historically had lower rates of heart disease, partly attributed to regular red wine consumption.

But the amounts found in food are tiny. To get the doses used in research, supplementation is the only practical route.

How Resveratrol Works: Sirtuins & the Longevity Pathway

Resveratrol's most significant mechanism of action is the activation of sirtuins — a family of proteins often referred to as "longevity genes". Sirtuins regulate a wide range of cellular processes including DNA repair, inflammation, metabolism, and stress resistance. They are the same pathways activated by caloric restriction — one of the most well-established interventions for extending lifespan in animal models.

In particular, resveratrol activates SIRT1, which plays a central role in regulating cellular ageing, mitochondrial function, and the body's response to oxidative stress. This is why resveratrol is so closely associated with healthy ageing — it's essentially mimicking some of the cellular benefits of eating less, without the deprivation.

Why Resveratrol & NMN Work So Well Together

This is where it gets particularly interesting. Sirtuins — activated by resveratrol — require NAD+ to function. Without adequate NAD+, sirtuin activity is limited regardless of how much resveratrol you take. NMN directly raises NAD+ levels in the body, providing the fuel that sirtuins need to do their work.

Think of it this way: resveratrol switches the longevity pathways on; NMN provides the energy to run them. Professor Sinclair takes both — and it's the combination that makes the most biological sense. I've been taking them together every morning for over a year, and I genuinely believe the synergy is real. A year in, my energy is consistently better and my skin looks the best it has in years.

Read more about NMN in my article NMN Supplements: Benefits, Science & How to Choose the Right One.

What the Research Shows

The research on resveratrol is extensive — it's one of the most studied polyphenols in the world. Key findings include:

• Cardiovascular protection — resveratrol has been shown to support healthy blood pressure, reduce LDL oxidation, and improve endothelial function (the health of blood vessel walls)
• Anti-inflammatory effects — it inhibits key inflammatory pathways, including NF-κB, which is implicated in many chronic diseases
• Metabolic support — studies suggest resveratrol can improve insulin sensitivity and support healthy blood sugar regulation
• Neuroprotection — early research points to potential benefits for cognitive function and protection against neurodegenerative conditions
• Cellular longevity — via sirtuin activation and the protection of telomeres, the DNA caps whose length is directly linked to biological age

As with NMN, much of the most compelling research has been in animal models, and human clinical trials are still catching up. But the mechanistic evidence is strong, and the safety profile of resveratrol is well established.

What I've Noticed After a Year

A year of taking resveratrol and NMN together every day. The two things I notice most are energy and skin. My energy feels more sustained — less of the afternoon dip that used to be a feature of my day. And my skin looks better: more hydrated, more luminous. Whether that's the resveratrol, the NMN, or the combination, I honestly can't separate them — and I don't want to, because together they seem to work beautifully. A year in, I have no intention of stopping.

How to Take Resveratrol

Resveratrol is fat-soluble, which means it's best absorbed when taken with a meal containing healthy fats — olive oil, avocado, nuts, or oily fish. I take mine in the morning with breakfast. Typical research doses range from 150mg to 500mg per day; consistency over time is more important than any single dose.

One thing to note: if you are on blood thinners or any medication that affects clotting, speak to your GP before starting resveratrol, as it has mild anticoagulant properties.

My Resveratrol Supplement

I stock a high-quality resveratrol supplement that I take myself every day — pure, potent, and free from unnecessary fillers. As with all my supplements, quality and sourcing matter enormously to me.

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