Vitamin P - bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids also called Vitamin P are not strictly speaking a vitamin, but for easy classification, we are listing it as a vitamin. The term bioflavonoids refers to many different ingredients and include hesperin, hesperidin, eriodictyol, quercetin, quercertrin, rutin etc. This nutrient can not be manufactured by the body and must be supplied in the diet.

Vitamin P - bioflavonoids - are required for 

Bioflavonoids enhance the action of Vitamin C and for this reason they should be taken together. Bioflavonoids are effectively used in the treatment of sport injuries as they are pain relieving. They may also be used in relieving pain in the legs, across the back and can lessen the symptoms of prolonged bleeding, a low serum calcium as well as oral herpes. 

Bioflavonoids may also be active in preserving the structures of capillaries, have an antibacterial effect and promote circulation. They may be indicated in the production of bile, lowering blood cholesterol levels and in the prevention and treatment of cataracts. 

Bioflavonoids are thought to enhance the absorption of Vitamin C, and possibly to prolong the effectiveness of it as well. These are super active substances, and can add a great deal to your nutritional needs in health and disease. 

This nutrient acts together with Vitamin C to help maintain the thin walls of the capillaries, therefore preventing bleeding or bruising. Bioflavonoids have been linked to having an antibacterial effect, stimulating bile production, promoting circulation and even assisting with fighting allergies, asthma etc.

Deficiency of vitamin P 

If a diet contains enough fruit and vegetables, bioflavonoids should not be deficient, but deficiency would show up as bruising. Where antioxidants are indicated and none present bioflavonoids could be of help, as well as iron deficiency, since it helps with the absorption of iron.

Dosage 

The dosage underneath is the (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. 

In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

No dosage has been determined but 500 mg per day is indicated for supplementation. 

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake 

Very high dosages of bioflavonoids may cause diarrhea.

Best used with 

Bioflavonoids should be taken with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and calcium.

When more may be required 

Bioflavonoids should be taken with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and calcium.

Other interesting points 

Absorption of the bioflavonoids can be a bit slow, but small amounts can be stored in the body. 

If you are suffering from cold sores, consider taking a supplement of 1,000-mg Vitamin C and 1,000 mg Bioflavonoids, and then 500 mg of each, three times a day. 

A daily intake of Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids may make you less susceptible to cold sores.

Food sources of bioflavonoids - vitamin P

Bioflavonoids are found in the white material just beneath citrus peel, as well as in peppers, grapes, pine bark, onions, garlic, blue and red berries, green tea as well as buckwheat.