I am seriously considering adding a grape seed extract supplement to help my RSD. Can anyone recommend a good brand(s)? What should I be looking for in a grape seed extract (standardized extract, percentage of OPC's, etc.)? How many milligrams should I take daily? What results have you had from taking?

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

Hi Brightcloud,

One of the best people to ask is caroline2, she has been taking it for decades and always talks about it. If she does not get down here and see this Thread, PM her, or repost on the Vitamins Forum:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum49.html

She will be happy to help.

Dave.

https://labdoor.com/
this site shows best rated brands vitamins & supplements.
Grape seed is not listed yet, but if you look at other lists and see what top brands rate well , that should follow thru for most of the products by that brand.
https://labdoor.com/rankings/multivitamins

Hi Brightcloud, I've been talking about OPC's to a friend who deals with RSD for years...she forever talks about her stomach issues...so don't know if she'll ever get on it or not.

I've been taking OPC's for going on 21 yrs and NEVER had stomach issues or any issues other than positive. I don't deal with RSD...

I've used many brands from swansons to puritan pride and a friend stays with Jarrow brand...at this time I think the vitacost brand is just fine. One can spend a lot of money or medium money...I go with medium money. One friend stays with Costco which I don't care for. But it works for her. She is so much improved with the neuropathy she's dealt with for 15 yrs..she takes no drugs now except a tylenol or advil as needed. Grape seed ex is working great for her.

I think to start out one would do best to start with 100mg and go from there. If no issues bump to 100mg two or three times per day. I take 200mg two times per day MOST days. I took Pycnogenol for the first year in 1995 and then found grape seed ex which is less money. They both do the same job. Good luck and let us know how you do. C

The only nutrient in grape seed extract is (a low percentage of) vitamin E. Moreover, most brands use a neurotoxin, hexane, to extract the oil. I take a variety of supplements, but I try research each one. I just read a lot about grape seed oil/extract this week . (I have neuropathy from a neurotoxic prescription drug, so I'm very cautious now... a bit like closing the barn door after the horses ran out, but I'm trying to be safer and wiser!)

PS...there is an antioxidant in grape seed extract: that may be beneficial for a number of ailments: but there is no evidence yet I can find to support this. If someone can point the way to studies I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

Here is some history to start with:

http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/...nebark_508.pdf

Since starting with Pycnogenol in 1995 and I got on this OPC as we were lectured that it MAY prevent cancer(s). The first thing to leave my body was a lifetime of allergy/sinus issues. I have NOT taken a drug for the allergy/issues since that time...in my 21st year.

Pycnogenol was just arriving in the U.S. from France.

I have posts on the vitamin section here. Also in the Allergy section.

I appreciated everyone's response to my query about grape seed extract.

Thanks, Dave, for the link you gave. It looks very interesting. Jo*Mar, appreciate the reminder about labdoor.com. I have used this site before. Found it very helpful in selecting a whey protein to use. Thanks, Caroline, for all the detailed information and the link you gave in your second post. Am going to re-read it again today. And appreciate, Sylvie M., your note of caution about solvent use.

I do appreciate everyone's help.

Brightcloud