BIOFLAVANOIDS

Sometimes referred to as vitamin P, bioflavonoids are essential for the absorption of vitamin C and should be taken together and cannot be produce by the human body, so they must be supplied in the diet.  The main known function of the bioflavonoids is to increase the strength of the capillaries and to regulate their permeability (the so-called P factor)
Different forms include:
·         Citrin
·         Eriodictyol
·         Flavones
·         Hesperetin
·         Quercetin
·         Quercetrin
·         Rutin

Bioflavonoids are used extensively in the treatment of athletic injuries because they relieve pain, bumps and bruises as well as reduces pain located in the legs or across the back and lessens the symptoms associated with prolonged bleeding and low serum calcium.  
They act synergistically with vitamin C to:
·         protect and preserve the structure of capillaries
·         have an antibacterial effect and promote circulation,
·         stimulate bile production,
·         lowers cholesterol levels and treat
·         prevent cataracts.
·         Reduces symptoms of oral herpes

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid available in supplement form may effectively treat asthma symptoms.  They can also act as an antibiotic in some cases of both bacteria and viruses, some flavonoids are able to disrupt the function of these microorganisms and thereby preventing or treating infection.  Bromelain and quercetin should be taken together to optimize absorption.
Sources of BIOFLAVENOIDS: black pepper, white material beneath the peel of citrus fruit as well as:

·         Apricot
·         Blackberries
·         Cherries
·         Grapefruit
·         Grapes
·         Lemons
·         Oranges
·         Plums
·         Prunes

Because vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, you excrete what you do not absorb.  By insuring your vitamin C supplement also contains some sort of bioflavonoid, you increase your absorption of the vitamin and increase the benefits!