Bioflavanoids

Bioflavanoids As Antioxidants

Bioflavanoids as antioxidants are great for fighting free radicals. Also sometimes called vitamin P, even if they are not vitamins in the true sense, are naturally occurring plant compounds found in all fruits, vegetables, herbs, and seeds, as well as in chocolate, tea, and even wine. Bioflavonoids can be broken down into several categories including; isoflavones, anthocyanidins, flavans, flavonols, flavones, and flavanones.

Bioflavonoids, which are abundant in vitamin C-rich citrus fruit, pulp, and rind, naturally enhance the absorption of vitamin C. This is why they are frequently added to vitamin C supplements. Unfortunately, the body cannot synthesize any of these compounds on its own, so they must be supplied via diet, and/or supplementation.

Some of the most well-known bioflavonoids include; hesperidin, hesperetin, quercetin, eriodyctiol, and rutin. Of these, quercetin is one of the most potent and offers scientifically demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, vasodilator, antiobesity, antihypercholesterolemic, and antiatherosclerotic effects.

Antioxidant Benefits Of Bioflavanoids

• Offers Powerful Antioxidant Protection
• Promotes Optimal Immune Function
• Supports Healthy Circulation

Who Benefits From Bioflavanoids?

Naturopaths may recommend a bioflavonoid supplement to help with seasonal allergies, to stimulate immunity, to fight germs and viruses, to enhance circulation and relieve swelling and pain associated with varicose veins and hemorrhoids, to lower blood pressure, protect cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease, as well as to temper inflammation and most inflammatory-mediated conditions. Additional indications for bioflavonoid supplementation include the maintenance of cognitive function and cognitive impairments and disease.

Bioflavanoid Antioxidant Supplements

Potencies

Bioflavonoid supplements are available in a range of potencies, typically in the 250 to 1,000 mg dose; however, daily dosing will depend on the intended use.

Forms

Bioflavonoid supplements may feature the following, or a blend of these:

• Anthocyanins from bilberry, elderberry, black currant, blueberry, and mixed extracts.
• Flavan-3-ols from tea extracts and labeled as catechins or polyphenols. Green tea extracts being the most common.
• Flavanones
• Flavones from the peels and tissues of citrus fruit
• Flavonols such as aglycone, quercetin, and its glycoside rutin
• Isoflavones including glycosides of the isoflavones: genistein, daidzein, and glycitein.

Formats

Bioflavonoids can be purchased in tablet, capsule, and powder forms, and are frequent additions to multivitamin complexes and vitamin C blends.

Final Thoughts on Bioflavanoids & Antioxidants

Flavonoids can inhibit the intestinal absorption of iron from food and supplements by up to 70%. This is why, to maximize iron absorption from a meal or supplement, flavonoid-rich food, as well as bioflavonoid supplements should not be consumed concomitantly, for best results, space these out by 2-3 hours.