Articles ¬ The Source ¬ Bioflavonoids

It is very common to become Bioflavonoid deficient in the winter due to the quality of our fresh fruits and vegetables. Much of the produce that we eat is either picked while still green or stored for a long period of time and therefore not as nutrient rich as in other seasons.

Bioflavonoids used to be called Vitamin P and are water soluble vitamins, which means that most of what the body cannot use within the first three to four hours of ingesting is lost in the urine. Bioflavonoids are important for the synthesis of collagen, which forms the basis for bones, ligaments, and other connective tissue in the body. They play a very vital role in proper wound healing and in the functioning of the immune system. Their main function is in the strengthening of capillaries,which can prevent problems like edema and a tendency toward bleeding and bruising. The Bioflavonoids are extremely important for the body's proper usage of Vitamin C and it works best to take these nutrients together.

Symptoms that may arise from a deficiency of Bioflavonoids include swollen, inflamed or bleeding gums, nose bleeds, a weakened immune system, allergies, poor wound healing, and bruising. Common causes of bioflavonoids deficiency are smoking and pollution from city living.

Good sources of Bioflavonoids include dark green leafy vegetables, peppers, cherries, berries, and citrus fruit, where it is the highest in the inner white skin. There is no recommended daily allowance, or RDA, for Bioflavonoids, as they are not considered essential. The RDA is the minimum amount that a person should have in their diet to avoid deficiency symptoms.

The adult optimal daily allowance (ODA) for bioflavonoids is typically at least 100 milligrams per 500 milligrams of Vitamin C taken. The ODA is the amount of a nutrient required to optimize a person's health. As your body does not store bioflavonoids, it is best to spread the doses out during the day or to use a time released supplement.

Bioflavonoids may be purchased in both chewable tablets and capsules, and also in powder or crystal forms. If you use the powder, crystal, or chewable form and it also contains Vitamin C, it is advisable to rinse your mouth well afterwards, as Vitamin C is an acid and can encourage the wearing down of tooth enamel.

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