Ascorbyl-C Bioflavonoids - 90 V-Caps

Bioflavonoids
By: Naturopathic Doctor ( N.D.)

There are a wide variety of Bioflavanoids, which are the natural pigments of fruits and vegetables ...
Flavonoids are a group of molecules that give colour to many fruits and vegetables. They produce yellow or red/blue pigments designed to attract pollination insects. These molecules are also known as bioflavonoids, and even sometimes as vitamin P. They are found in almost all plants, in varying amounts.

Circulatory System
Vitamin C works closely with bioflavanoids in the body. The two are a particularly effective combination for supporting capillary and vascular health. They help strengthen and protect collagen in the body, thus preventing capillary fragility. When our capillaries are fragile it can result in varicose veins, easy bruising, bleeding gums and in severe cases hemorrhage can all be common. Thus, bioflavonoids can help in the treatment and prevention of conditions like Varicose Veins, and Poor Circulation.

Antioxidants
Bioflavonoids are particularly well known for their antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron that are extremely reactive, and damage surrounding cell membranes, fats, and fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. We encounter free radicals through environmental exposures, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, processed foods, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun (UV rays). Bioflavonoids in particular have been shown to be particularly successful at preventing free radical damage and oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, as well as increasing the anti-oxidant capacity of other nutrients. Bioflavonoids are showing great promise for use in the prevention and treatment of heart disease and cancer because of these anti-oxidant effects. For more information on these benefits, please see our articles on Cardiovascular Health, Arteriosclerosis, and Cancer.

Anti-inflammatory and Allergies
A number of bioflavonoids have been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory molecules in the body. This means that they can prevent the synthesis and action of biological markers that disperse around the body during an inflammatory response and signal the need for immune cells to migrate to the area. This action allows bioflavonoids to prevent and mitigate inflammatory responses and allergic responses. For more information, please see our articles on the Immune System and Allergies.

Signs of Deficiency
A diet that does not contain sufficient fresh fruits and vegetables can result in a deficiency of bioflavonoids. This can lead to a number of deficiency symptoms such as: easy bruising, nose bleeds, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids.

Where can I get more bioflavonoids?
There are a wide variety of food sources of bioflavonoids. Some of the best sources are: citrus fruits, berries, onions, tomatoes, white tea, Green Tea, red wine, and Seabuckthorn. In supplements, bioflavonoids are available in powder or capsule form. They are frequently offered in combination products with a number of bioflavonoids together or in combination with vitamin C. They can be purchased individually as well. Many green or multivitamin combinations will include a number of bioflavonoids for their anti-oxidant benefits.

TYPES OF BIOFLAVONOIDS

Certain bioflavonoids have affinities for specific organs and/or disease processes. Ensuring adequate intake of sources of these nutrients can help to prevent and treat certain illnesses.

Diosmin
One of the major flavonoids found in citrus fruits is known as diosmin. It is often used in combination with hesperidin to support veins and arteries. This can help in the treatment of hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and ulcers due to venous stasis. This bioflavonoid has also been found to help protect the liver from toxic insult and to prevent the development of post-surgical lymphedema in breast cancer patients. For more information, please see our Diosmin article.

Hesperidin
Another common citrus bioflavonoid is hesperidin. As mentioned above, it is frequently used in combination with diosmin for the support of vascular health, and certain forms of hesperidin have been found to protect against arteriosclerosis. Hesperidin has also been found to be a strong antioxidant with a particular affinity for the brain and liver. When combined with vitamin C, hesperidin has been shown to successfully reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women. It can also help to protect against loss of bone density with aging. For more information on these and other benefits, please see our Hesperidin article.

Quercetin
One type of immune cell found just beneath our skin are called mast cells, and are responsible for releasing histamine in response to contact with an allergen. The presence of histamine signals other immune cells, which results in the symptoms of allergies such as runny nose and itchy watery eyes. The flavonoid quercetin has been found to help stabilize mast cells, making them less sensitive to allergic triggers. For more information on these benefits, please see our Quercetin article.

Rutin
This molecule is the precursor to quercetin that is found in a variety of foods such as: apricots, asparagus, cherries, prunes, and citrus fruit rinds. It is both an anti-inflammatory and a blood-thinning agent. It strengthens the blood vessels and protects the body from oxidized LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. This makes it particularly beneficial to cardiovascular health. For more information, please see our Rutin article.

Pycnogenol
This particular type of bioflavonoid has been shown to help strengthen and repair tissues made of Collagen. Thus, pycnogenol helps to protect blood vessels, skin and connective tissue. It can help to protect against cardiovascular disease and eye conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Like other bioflavonoids, pycnogenol is also a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. For more information, please see our Pycnogenol article.