Pharmacokinetics, oral bioavailability, and metabolic profile of resveratrol and its dimethylether analog, pterostilbene, in rats

Researchers gave rats doses of resveratrol or pterostilbene, a similar plant compound, by mouth and by injection. They measured how much of each compound reached the blood and what substances the rats’ bodies changed them into. Pterostilbene reached higher blood levels and stayed in the rats’ bodies longer than resveratrol. Both compounds were quickly changed into other forms, including compounds linked to sugar or sulfate. The study measured absorption, not whether either compound helped rats live longer or stay healthier.

What this means for you: Pterostilbene may be absorbed better than resveratrol in rats, but this does not show that it works better in people. You can ignore this study when choosing a supplement unless human evidence also supports a specific benefit.