A group of cardiologists in New Jersey say that they want to work with patients to make the best use of resveratrol pills, which contain a chemical linked to improved heart health.

The Advanced Cardiology Institute in Fort Lee says that the benefits of the supplements are beginning to receive widespread notice, but that dosing and other issues still remain unclear for them.

They plan on incorporating the pills because they feel they are safer than drinking larger quantities of wine, and because "people need medical strategies and preventive care now, before they develop vascular problems," says senior cardiologist Dr Howard Rothman.

Resveratrol has been shown to reduce the amount of damage caused by a heart attack, and in several studies the doctors say they have seen the benefits, but are working to develop best practices for the use of the supplements in reducing heart disease in their patients.

"We want to make sure the patients are taking a product that has the best chance of working and does not produce avoidable side effects," added Rothman.