A chemical ingredient in red wine has been found to protect against a variety of health problems associated with ageing.

A new report published in Cell Metabolism showed that large doses of the chemical, known as resveratrol, at midlife can benefit health by warding off a host of age-related illness such as cardiovascular disease, cataracts and reduced bone density.

Researchers found that consumption of resveratrol in mice produced changes in the gene expression of integral metabolic tissues that resemble those caused by a restricted diet.

The study demonstrated that the overall health of the mice improved, with a reduction of osteoporosis, cataracts, vascular dysfunction and declines in motor coordination.

Rafael de Cabo of the National Institute on Ageing commented: "From a health point of view, the quality of life of these mice at the end of their days is much better."

"In conclusion, long-term resveratrol treatment of mice can mimic transcriptional changes induced by dietary restriction and allow them to live healthier, more vigorous lives.

"Together, these findings confirm the feasibility of finding an orally available dietary restriction mimetic," the authors wrote.

Previous studies have shown that reducing calorie intake by 30 per cent can help delay the onset of age-related diseases.

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