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What Is Pterostilbene? UK Guide
What is Pterostilbene?
A clear, factual guide to pterostilbene — a plant polyphenol and the methylated analogue of resveratrol. What it is, where it is found, the forms and typical dose you will see, and how pterostilbene compares with resveratrol on bioavailability. Pterostilbene is a food supplement.
Last updated July 2026 · Written by Vitality Supplements Editorial Team · ~2,300 words · 9 min read
Food supplement information — not medical advice
UK manufactured
ISO/IEC 17025 batch tested
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Quick answer
What is pterostilbene?
Pterostilbene is a plant polyphenol — a naturally occurring compound belonging to the same stilbene family as resveratrol. Chemically it is the dimethylated (methoxylated) analogue of resveratrol: essentially resveratrol with two methyl-ether groups in place of two hydroxyl groups. It is found naturally in blueberries and the heartwood of Pterocarpus trees. That structural difference makes pterostilbene more lipophilic (fat-soluble) and, in studies, more bioavailable than resveratrol. It is sold as a food supplement in the UK with no authorised health claims, so what matters when comparing products is purity, dose and testing.
Key takeaways
- Pterostilbene is a plant polyphenol in the stilbene family.
- It is the dimethylated (methoxylated) analogue of resveratrol.
- Found naturally in blueberries and Pterocarpus heartwood.
- Its two methyl groups make it more fat-soluble and, in studies, more bioavailable than resveratrol.
- Typical supplement servings are around 50–200mg per day.
- A UK food supplement with no authorised health claims — judge products on purity, dose and testing.
The basics
What pterostilbene actually is
Pterostilbene is a polyphenol — one of a large group of plant compounds — and more specifically a stilbenoid, the same structural family as resveratrol. Its name comes from Pterocarpus, a genus of trees in whose heartwood it was first identified; it is also present in blueberries and some other berries and nuts.
Structurally, pterostilbene is best understood as resveratrol with a chemical tweak: two of resveratrol's hydroxyl (–OH) groups are replaced by methoxy (–OCH₃) groups. This is why it is described as the dimethylated or methoxylated analogue of resveratrol. That change makes the molecule more lipophilic, which is central to the bioavailability differences discussed below. As a supplement it is usually a fine off-white powder in capsules. It is sold as a food supplement in the UK and carries no authorised health claims, so this guide stays factual.
Think of it as resveratrol, methylated — a small structural change with real consequences for solubility.
Side by side
Pterostilbene vs resveratrol
Pterostilbene and resveratrol are close chemical cousins, and people often compare them directly. The table below sets out the factual, structural differences — not health effects. The headline is bioavailability: because pterostilbene is more fat-soluble and more resistant to being rapidly modified and cleared, studies have generally found a higher proportion of an oral dose reaches the bloodstream compared with resveratrol.
| Property | Pterostilbene | Resveratrol |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Stilbene polyphenol | Stilbene polyphenol |
| Structure | Two methoxy (–OCH₃) groups + one hydroxyl | Three hydroxyl (–OH) groups |
| Solubility | More lipophilic (fat-soluble) | Less lipophilic |
| Bioavailability | Higher in studies (larger share of dose reaches blood) | Lower; rapidly metabolised and cleared |
| Natural sources | Blueberries, Pterocarpus heartwood | Grapes, red wine, Japanese knotweed |
| Typical serving | ~50–200mg/day | ~150–500mg/day (often trans-resveratrol) |
Neither is "better" in a general sense — they are different molecules that people sometimes use for different reasons, and some formulas include both. If you want the companion picture, see our what is trans-resveratrol guide, which explains the resveratrol side in the same factual way.
On the label
Forms & typical dose
Pterostilbene is a single, well-defined compound, so there is little form confusion. It is almost always sold as pterostilbene powder in capsules, sometimes on its own and sometimes as part of a longevity or NAD-support formula. The two numbers to read are the amount per serving and the purity.
50–200
mg per dayThe common serving range on the market.
98%+
Typical purityLook for a stated, verified purity.
Caps
Usual formatPowder in capsules, standalone or in a blend.
HPLC
The test that countsConfirms identity and purity of the powder.
There is no official Recommended Daily Amount for pterostilbene, so the serving range above reflects the market rather than a recommendation. It also appears in combination products — for example alongside NMN, TMG and apigenin in our NMN Complete formula — where it is one of several complementary longevity ingredients.
Two numbers decide quality: how much per serving, and how pure.
Buying criteria
What to check before you buy
Because pterostilbene is a defined single compound, quality comes down to purity, an honest dose and proof of what is in the capsule.
- A clear amount per serving — e.g. "200mg pterostilbene per serving", so you can compare brands.
- A stated purity — ideally 98%+, verified rather than assumed.
- HPLC verification — the analytical method that confirms pterostilbene identity and purity.
- A Certificate of Analysis on request — batch-level proof of purity and contaminant testing.
- Independent, accredited testing — ideally from an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory.
- UK manufacturing & clear labelling — easier to verify and hold to standard.
People researching pterostilbene often look at it alongside other longevity supplements and NAD-support ingredients — see our what is NAD guide for that wider context. Whatever you choose, buy on verified content and purity, not on the biggest number on the front of the pack.
Common questions
Pterostilbene FAQ
No, but they are close cousins. Pterostilbene is the dimethylated (methoxylated) analogue of resveratrol — the same stilbene family, with two methoxy groups in place of two hydroxyls. That structural difference makes pterostilbene more fat-soluble.
In studies, yes — a larger proportion of an oral dose of pterostilbene tends to reach the bloodstream, because it is more lipophilic and more resistant to rapid metabolism than resveratrol. This is a factual point about absorption, not a health claim.
It occurs naturally in blueberries and the heartwood of Pterocarpus trees (which gives it its name), among other plant sources. Supplement-grade pterostilbene is a purified powder, typically standardised to a high purity.
Servings on the market commonly range from about 50 to 200mg per day. This reflects what products offer rather than an established or recommended dose — there is no official RDA for pterostilbene. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
Yes. As well as standalone capsules, pterostilbene frequently appears in longevity and NAD-support formulas alongside ingredients such as NMN, TMG and apigenin — for example in our NMN Complete. Check the exact amount of pterostilbene in any combination product.
As a general precaution pterostilbene is not recommended for anyone under 18, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and anyone taking medication or managing a health condition should speak to a healthcare professional first. Introduce one product at a time and follow the label serving.
Pterostilbene, done properly
Our Premium Pterostilbene delivers 200mg per serving across 60 capsules, UK-manufactured and independently batch tested, with a Certificate of Analysis available on request.
Continue reading
About the author. This guide was written and reviewed by the Vitality Supplements Editorial Team, a UK supplement manufacturer. Every batch we produce is independently tested by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory, with a Certificate of Analysis available on request.
This article is for general information about food supplements and is not medical advice. Pterostilbene is sold as a food supplement in the UK and carries no authorised health claims. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, particularly if you are under 18, pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition. References available on our research references page.
