Grape Seed Extract Side Effects

Grapes seed extract comes from the whole grape seeds. It is a byproduct of the winery and the grape juice industry. Known much for being a powerful antioxidant, this extract has been studied widely and many studies carried out in this regard. Its benefits are numerous, while the side effects are usually not very serious. But still, it is important to use it with caution, and know the side effects that it can cause if not used in the appropriate dosage.

Grape Seed Extract Benefits

It is extremely rich in antioxidants like, vitamin E, flavonoids and polyphenols. It also contains linoleic acid, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. It contains procyanidolic oligomers (PCO), which can prove immensely beneficial for improving blood circulation and strengthening the blood vessels. On the other hand, procyanidins found in it can prevent premature aging, improve vision, increase the flexibility of the joints and strengthen the blood vessels. Apart from these, it can provide benefits in conditions like, heart and cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, tooth decay, wound healing, skin cancer, prostate cancer, high blood pressure, cellulite and skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Moreover, it can improve the ability of the body to fight against viruses, allergens and carcinogens.

Risks of Grape Seed Extract

It usually comes in the form of capsules, tablets or as liquid. If taken in the appropriate dosage, it generally does not cause any serious side effects. Its excess amount in the body is normally excreted through the urine. But still, this extract can cause a few minor side effects like headache, nausea, dizziness, dry and itchy scalp, sore throat and abdominal pain. It may increase the clotting time of blood, which in turn can increase the risk of bleeding.

Increased risk for bleeding is considered as one of its serious problems. Usually, people with a bleeding disorder or those taking blood thinning medications are at a higher risk for experiencing this side effect. In such individuals, grape seed extract may increase the risks of both internal and external bleeding. Signs of bleeding can include easy bruising, cuts or scrapes with prolonged bleeding, black, tarry stool and vomiting of blood.

If bleeding occurs in the brain, then it can cause weakness and numbness in arms and legs, nausea, severe headache, loss of coordination and changes in speech and vision. However, bleeding inside the brain is quite rare. People allergic to grapes can experience a few other side effects. They can develop mild to serious allergic reactions after taking this extract. The signs of allergic reaction are skin rash or hives, itching, swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips and the throat, wheezing and breathing difficulty.

In addition to these, one can experience some other side effects, due to the presence of contaminants in certain cheap products. Therefore, be sure to purchase it only from a reputed manufacturer. However, excessive and prolonged use of any medication or supplement can give rise to certain health problems or complications, and grape seed extract is no exception to this. To avoid such health complications, any kind of supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a physician or health care provider.