While in the most meticulous sense of the word, bioflavonoids are not actual vitamins, they are sometimes referred to as vitamin P. Bioflavonoids are essential in vitamin C absorption and both should be taken together. Many different types of bioflavonoids exist, some of which include hesperidin, quercetin, citrin, eriodictyol, quercetrin, flavones and rutin. Bioflavanoids cannot be produced naturally by the human body so they must be physically supplemented.

Because of the pain, bruise and bump relieving abilities, bioflavonoids remain a choice among many experts for the treatment of athletic injuries. Pain in the legs and across the back can also be lessened through bioflavonoid supplementation. Many experts recommend bioflavonoids for the treatment of symptoms associated with low serum calcium and prolonged bleeding as well.

Bioflavonoids shield and preserve the structure of capillaries through synergistic actions with vitamin C. They also promote circulation, treat & prevent cataracts, stimulate the production of bile and have an antibacterial effect. Symptoms that accompany oral herpes can also be reduced when bioflavonoids are taken with vitamin C.

Many experts recommend a bioflavonoid called quercetin to treat & prevent symptoms associated with asthma. My personal recommendation would be Activated Quercetin from Source naturals. Within this powerful supplement are two other ingredients which make it particularly effective. The first is bromelain which is an enzyme that comes from pineapple and second is vitamin C, in the nonacidic form of magnesium ascorbate. Both vitamin C and quercetin work synergistically and should be taken together to attain maximum effectiveness.

Some good fruit sources of bioflavonoids include grapefruit, lemons, oranges, cherries, grapes, blackberries, prunes and apricots. Chervil, shepard’s purse, rose hips, hawthorn berry, elderberries and horsetail are some good herbal sources of bioflavonoids. Other sources include black currants, peppers, the white material just below the peel of citrus fruits and peppers.

* Important notes: High doses of bioflavonoids may cause diarrhea.