What is a Bioflavonoid?

You’ve read a lot about vitamin A, B, C, D, E and a whole host of other letter designations which might make you think you’re reading a New York City subway map, but have you ever heard of vitamin P? If you haven’t, vitamin P corresponds to a class of powerful phytochemicals known as “bioflavonoids” or flavonoids for short. In 1936, Albert Szent-Gyorgi, a Nobel-prize winning scientist, discovered bioflavonoids and subsequently named the group of compounds “vitamin P.”

 

Flavonoids occur naturally in almost all fruits, vegetables and herbs. Some can even be found in chocolate, wine and tea. In plants, flavonoids perform key functions such as regulating cell growth and attracting insects that pollinate the plant. In humans, flavonoids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune supporting properties. Flavonoids can also aid in cellular repair and fighting infections.

 

Of course, you’ve heard the word ‘antioxidant’ used in descriptions of certain teas and juices, as in grape juice for instance, and it is widely known that antioxidants help in the fight against toxins known as ‘free radicals’ that can harm healthy cells in the body. On a daily basis, your body experiences threats from various toxins, both external (UV rays) and internal such as the waste products produced from your own bodily processes, such as digestion and respiration. Flavonoids can substantially help bolster your defenses against these daily threats and aid in preventative maintenance against them.

 

Further, flavonoids are key in maintaining excellent vascular health. Flavonoids support the walls of your veins for proper valve function and can help alleviate common venous-related symptoms such as leg heaviness, leg cramps, swelling and pain which is typically associated with varicose veins. Flavonoids also increase vein elasticity which can help prevent hemorrhages, ruptures and infections.

 

People suffering from hemorrhoids can also benefit from the use of flavonoids which improve capillary flow, microcirculation and vascular tone. In these cases, flavonoids have the effect of reducing swelling, burning and pain associated with hemorrhoids.

 

But the main component of flavonoids that helps venous disorders is diosmin, a compound part of a small class of agents called “phlebotonics.” Consisting partly of citrus peel extracts and synthetic compounds, diosmin has been shown to help maintain metabolic, cognitive and joint health as well as provide support for improved immune response and respiratory health. But the most remarkable feature of diosmin is its ability to alleviate the symptoms of vascular issues such as chronic venous insufficiency.

 

In clinical trials, 450 mg of diosmin and 50 mg of hesperidin has been shown to improve venous tone and vein elasticity. And, if used in conjunction with compression therapies, diosmin has been shown to accelerate the healing of venous leg ulcers greater than 10cm in diameter.

 

Now, if you suffer from a venous disorder, you’re probably thinking that if you simply increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, all will be right in the world. But wait! Not so fast. For the body to get the full benefits of diosmin, the micronized purified flavonoid fraction form (MPFF) is preferred because it’s more easily absorbed into the bloodstream and therefore more beneficial to addressing symptoms of venous disorders. In fact, the MPFF of diosmin has a diameter of less than 5 microns! Think of a coffee filter as an analogy: the grounds that are too large won’t pass through the mesh, whereas the smaller particles that impart flavor will. So, the smaller, the better. Also, compared to eating fresh fruits and vegetables, a habit we strongly support, the amount of MPFF you could actually ingest in a normal healthy diet would be a small fraction of the amount available in a high-quality dietary supplement and far too little to have any appreciable effect on venous and lymphatic problems.

 

Ok, so now you know you need the MPFF form of diosmin. Your next question is where can you obtain this remarkable formulation?

 

As the leader in bioflavonoids, VitasupportMD has created three MPFF-based formulations. One that targets venous insufficiency, one that targets hemorrhoids, and one that targets lymphatic disorders. All formulas have been created by a Board-Certified cardiovascular surgeon and are manufactured in an FDA-registered facility adhering to the strictest manufacturing guidelines as dictated by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), Certified Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

 

Our formulations are as follows –

 

Vein Formula: Supports normal venous function in patients with varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, edema (swelling of the legs), skin changes, stasis dermatitis, venous ulcers, leg heaviness, night cramps and restless leg syndrome.

 

Lymphatic Formula: With added selenium and vitamin D3, supports normal lymphatic function in patients with lymphedema, lipedema, Dercum’s disease, and edema (swelling of the legs).

 

Hemorrhoid Formula: With added horse chestnut, supports normal hemorrhoidal vein function in patients with hemorrhoids, bleeding, itching, burning and pain.

 

All VitasupportMD’s products are non-GMO, gluten free, vegetarian and manufactured in the USA.