What Are BioFlavonoids? Information On Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids are substances found in vegetables and fruits, particularly citrus fruits, that can help improve the body's ability to absorb and use vitamin C. Though not really vitamins (they are not considered essential for life), bioflavonoids are sometimes called "Vitamin P." Traditional nutritionists assert that there is no such thing as vitamin P. However, there are plant compounds known as bioflavonoids that have the potential to help treat certain conditions in the body, as well as promote health and strengthen the immune system.

Like vitamins A, C and E, bioflavonoids are antioxidants. As such, they can rid the body of free radicals, toxic byproducts of chemical reactions that take place in the body every day. The body is exposed to free radicals through exercise, pollution, smoking, and many other factors. Free radicals are molecules that are missing an electron, and without nutrients to absorb them, they basically run wild in the body, creating all sorts of damage while searching for another electron to complete them.

Bioflavonoids not only act as antioxidants on their own, but they also boost the power of vitamin C, making vitamin C and bioflavonoids a powerful pair when working together.

Bioflavonoids are found in the rinds of citrus fruits (the white part), as well as in green peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, purple grapes, berries and some herbal teas. Rose hips, bilberry, pine bark, grape seed and elderberry all contain bioflavonoids as well.

There are actually four separate classes of bioflavonoids, with proanthocyanidins (PCOs), the bioflavonoids red wine, grape seeds and pine bark, being the most potent. Quercetin is a derivative of bioflavonoids that also has very active properties. Citrus bioflavonoids, found in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, are thought to be the most effective in treating weak capillaries, bruising, hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Finally, green tea polyphenols are a class of bioflavonoids found in tea.

The various bioflavonoids are often formulated as concentrates and sold as dietary supplements in capsule form. In addition, many vitamin C tablets are combined with rose hips to strengthen their effectiveness. Such formulas are believed to have much stronger antioxidant benefits than the sum of each substance alone because of the ability of bioflavonoids to help the body absorb and use vitamin C.

As antioxidants, bioflavonoids have a unique ability to prevent bruising, control inflammation and maintain healthy blood vessels. They help the body build collagen and elastin to strengthen capillaries, which can begin to weaken for reasons such as high estrogen levels, prolonged stress, and elevated blood sugar levels. Because of this ability of bioflavonoids to strengthen capillaries, they may also be useful in preventing the development of varicose veins, spider veins, and hemorrhoids.

Consumption of bioflavonoids has also been shown to help reduce LDL cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Athletes often use bioflavonoids to treat bruises and other minor injuries, as well as pain in the legs and back. In addition, bioflavonoids are thought to be helpful in treating allergies because of their ability to boost the immune system. They have also been shown to be effective in treating cataracts. Like vitamin C, bioflavonoids help the body absorb iron, and they can be used to treat menstrual problems and replenish iron loss due to excessive bleeding.

Bioflavonoids and vitamin C work in concert and should, therefore, be taken together for maximum effectiveness. There are no reported side effects or toxicity levels, but large doses may cause diarrhea in sensitive people.

In general, people who do not eat enough fruits and vegetables may not be getting sufficient amounts of bioflavonoids in their diet. Supplements are usually taken in 1000 mg doses, but higher doses can be used for specific purposes. A regimen of 500 mg three times per day of bioflavonoids with vitamin C at the very first sign of a cold has been found effective in reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.

Taking bioflavonoids when cold symptoms first appear may also prevent the development of cold sores.

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