DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• There are several thousand kinds of bioflavonoids found throughout the plant kingdom. They are part of the polyphenol family. Citrus fruits contain at least four bioflavonoids. At one time they were unofficially called vitamin P, because they reduced capillary fragility and permeability.

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• None.

MAJOR SOURCES

• Inner rind of lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• 100 mg to 1,000 mg. (Only use standardized extracts.)

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• Bruising
• Cancer
• Hemorrhoids
• High cholesterol
• Inflammation
• Ulcers

COMMENTS

• Bioflavonoids usually have antioxidant properties. They also seem to work well with vitamin C. Rutin is metabolized to quercetin. The quercitrin found in citrus is related to quercetin. Avoid supplements that list bioflavonoids on the label, but do not list a standardized percentage. These often will only contain about 5% active bioflavonoids. Quality products will contain 40% to 50% total bioflavonoids.

CAUTIONS

• None significant, although grapefruit can interfere with various medications.