Before consuming this fruit extract, thoroughly dive into the benefits and risks of this fruit extract.
Grape seed extract, made from grape seeds, is rich in antioxidants and several other nutrients. Commonly used as a dietary supplement, grape seed extract can benefit your health in the long term and reduce your risk of developing health problems. You are probably not aware of the many side effects of grape seed extract. In this article, we take a deeper look at reported side effects and how they can affect your health.
Get to know the other side: Grape Seed Extract
Short term effects
Itchy scalp, dizziness, nausea, sore throat, infection, abdominal pain, indigestion and muscle problems such as inflammation and pain.
Long term effects
Prolonged bleeding, severe allergic reactions such as rashes, itching and hives, difficulty breathing and hemorrhagic stroke.
Drug interactions
Grape seed extract may interact with blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and cancer drugs.
When to see a doctor
If you experience nausea, headache, impaired vision or speech, numbness in the arms or legs, abdominal discomfort, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat.
Grape seed extract – in brief
As the name suggests, grape seed extract comes from grapes and has a high concentration of vitamin E, linoleic acid, flavonoids and phenolic procyanidins. Grape seed extract is obtained from grape seeds that are extracted, dried and purified to produce an extract rich in polyphenolic compounds, which also has well-documented antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is mostly used for industrial purposes, while oral grape seed extract is used in capsules or tablets. Grape seed extract is believed to have potential health benefits. It is a rich source of antioxidants and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which have several health benefits.
protip_icon Did you know?
A team of geneticists extracted DNA from an ancient grape seed, compared it to recently cultivated grapes, and compared it to Savagnin blanc grapes. This means that this type of grape has grown unchanged for almost a thousand years, survived the Hundred Years’ War, the French Revolution and both world wars.
Although there is a lack of scientific evidence for the potential health benefits of grape seed extract, it has been associated with some adverse effects, especially with overdose. In addition, there is a lack of information on the recommended dose of grape seed extract, further increasing the risk. Doses between 100-300 milligrams/day have been used in studies and are prescribed in some European countries.
Adverse effects of grape seed extract
Below are some of the side effects of grape seed extract that can prove to be serious:
1. Bleeding
One of the most prominent side effects of grape seed extract is bleeding, both internal and external. It can slow blood clotting, leading to prolonged bleeding in cuts and bruises. Grape seed extract may also cause internal bleeding, which includes symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding such as blood in vomit, bright red blood in stool, and tarry stools.
Since grape seed extract slows blood clotting, it is not suitable for those who have to undergo surgery, as it could cause extra bleeding. Therefore, the use of grape seed extract may have contraindications and should be discontinued at least two weeks before the planned surgery.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke
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One of the most serious side effects of grape seed extract is hemorrhagic stroke, which is also a form of internal bleeding. It is characterized by the rupture of blood vessels inside the brain. A blood clot inside the brain irritates the brain tissues and causes swelling.
Symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke include coma, unconsciousness, headache, nausea, difficulty swallowing, impaired vision or speech, weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, loss of coordination, etc.
3. Allergic reactions
Grape seed extract may also cause allergic side effects such as rashes, itching, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, hives, difficulty breathing or wheezing, etc. It is advisable to seek medical attention immediately if any of these allergic reactions are observed . And if possible, always take precautions when eating out or buying produce. Always check the ingredients list to make sure it suits your body.
Fun fact
Grape seed extract has been used in Western Asia and parts of Europe for health care as early as 6000-8000 years ago. It has been used for skin hydration and for its antioxidant properties.
4. Not suitable for pregnant and lactating women
belly of a pregnant woman on a light background
Pregnant women and women trying to conceive should avoid using dietary supplements with grape seed extract as there is no medical recommendation for these supplements. In addition, breastfeeding women should consult their gynecologist before using grape seed extract. This is because grape seed extract is considered a herbal medicine and herbal medicines are not standardized.
5. Drug interactions
Due to its potential blood-thinning effects, grape seed extract may interact adversely with certain medications that include blood thinners. This interaction can interact with antiplatelet medications as well as pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Cholesterol-lowering drugs and prescription drugs such as methotrexate can also interact with it and cause toxicity. Therefore, grape seed extract should not be used with any of these medications without medical advice.
6. Other minor side effects
Grape seed extract may also cause side effects such as dry or itchy scalp, dizziness, and nausea (3). Taking grape seed extract may lead to other minor side effects such as dry mouth, sore throat, cough, infection, abdominal pain, upset stomach, indigestion, and muscle problems.
4 Serious Side Effects of Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract has recently become popular for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is a herbal medicine, but its excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects and compromise the safety of the organism. Check out the infographic below to learn about the four main side effects of grape seed extract.
Despite its common use in dietary supplements and capsules, grape seed extract can be harmful if consumed in excess. Side effects of grape seed extract range from an increased risk of bleeding to hemorrhagic stroke. In addition, it can cause dry scalp, indigestion, sore throat or dizziness. In some cases, grape seed extract can cause allergic reactions or interfere with the functioning of certain medications, especially blood thinners. Avoid such complications by limiting or abstaining from income altogether. Go for the supplement only after consulting your doctor and remember all the warnings.
FAQs
1. Can you take grape seed extract every day?
Yes. Moderate consumption of grape seed extract can benefit your health in many ways. However, excessive intake can lead to several adverse effects.
2.What time of day should you take grape seed extract?
You can take grape seed extract whenever you want, at any time of the day.
3. Is grape seed extract safe for children?
Maybe yes. Studies on the risk of grape seed extract in children are lacking, however moderate consumption should be safe.
4. Can grape seed extract cause liver damage or toxicity?
Maybe not. According to a study, consuming grape seed extract for three months improved liver function in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
5. Can grape seed extract lower blood pressure too much?
Maybe not. A study noted a positive modulation of blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension after taking grape seed extract. The participant’s blood pressure decreased from elevated values to normal.
Key Points
Although grape seed extract has several health benefits, high doses can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
It can interact with blood thinners and make bleeding more likely.
In addition, grape seed extract may interact with several cancer treatments and reduce their effectiveness.
