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Pterostilbene — Frequently Asked Questions

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pterostilbene better than resveratrol?

For practical supplementation, pterostilbene has a significant advantage: ~80% oral bioavailability compared to <1% for resveratrol. This means a 50mg dose of pterostilbene achieves greater tissue exposure than a 500mg dose of resveratrol. Both activate SIRT1 and AMPK. The main caveat is that resveratrol has far more published human clinical trials. Many longevity practitioners now prefer pterostilbene or use both together.

Does pterostilbene raise LDL cholesterol?

In the Riche et al. (2014) trial, the highest dose (250mg twice daily) was associated with increased LDL cholesterol in some participants. Lower doses (50-125mg) did not show this effect. If you have elevated LDL, start at a lower dose and monitor your lipid panel. The clinical significance of this finding is still debated.

Can I get pterostilbene from blueberries?

Blueberries contain pterostilbene but in very small amounts — approximately 99μg per cup. To reach a supplemental dose of 100mg, you would need over 1000 cups of blueberries daily. Supplementation is necessary for therapeutic doses, though eating blueberries provides many other health-promoting compounds.

References

  1. (). Analysis of safety from a human clinical trial with pterostilbene. Journal of Toxicology. DOI
  2. (). Pharmacokinetics, oral bioavailability, and metabolic profile of resveratrol and its dimethylether analog, pterostilbene, in rats. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology. DOI
  3. (). Low-dose pterostilbene, but not resveratrol, is a potent neuromodulator in aging and Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiology of Aging. DOI