Resveratrol a useful biomarker of wine consumption

Many clinical and epidemiological trials have shown the beneficial effects of moderate wine consumption (Gronbaek et al, 2000 Mukamal et al, 2005) and the harmful effects of 

To validate a nutritional biomarker, all criteria mentioned in the previous section have to been fulfilled. In summary, a good biomarker should be analyzable with robust methodology, bioavailable, specific, and sensitive (Spencer et al, 2008). First, extensive knowledge about wine composition was essential for selecting the possible target compounds that are present only in wines. After exhaustive studies on minor molecules in wine composition, mostly based on the polyphenol profile, resveratrol appeared as an optimal candidate (Lamuela-Raventos et al, 1995 Burns et al, 2002). Once it was preselected as a possible biomarker of wine consumption, the criteria had to be fulfilled. 

All these investigations support the use of concentrations of urinary resveratrol metabolites as a useful nutritional biomarker of wine consumption in clinical and epidemiological studies. This biomarker would provide an additional and more accurate tool to evaluate the relationship between wine intake and health etfects. 

Adlercreutz, H., Honjo, H., Higashi, A. et al. (1991). Urinary excretion of lignans and isoflavonoid phytoestrogens in Japanese men and women consuming a traditional Japanese diet. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 54, 1093-1100. 

Beaton, G.H., Bnrema, J. Ritenbaugh, C. (1997). Errors in the interpretation of dietary assessments. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 65,1 lOOS-1107S. 

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