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Vitamin P - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

Alternative names :- Bioflavonoids

A group of substances found in nature, that correct abnormal capillary permeability, were collectively called 'permeability vitamins' or vitamin P. When extracted, these compounds have a yellow color (flavonoids), and since they are biologically active they are called 'bioflavonoids'. Interest in bioflavonoids as essential food items is declining.

Researchers have reported over eight hundred different bioflavonoids. Most of these are the yellow pigments found in citrus fruit as well as other fruits and vegetables, these are referred to as flavonoids. Bioflavonoids are a class of water-soluble plant pigments. The bioflavonoids are helpful in the absorption of vitamin C and protect the multifunctional vitamin C molecule from oxidation, thereby improving and prolonging its functioning. Therefore, the bioflavonoids are indirectly, and possibly directly, involved in maintaining the health of the collagen that holds the cells together by forming the basement membranes of cells, tissues, and cartilage.

Benefits and functions of Vitamin P

Vitamin P are used extensively in the treatment of athletic injuries because they relieve pain, bumps, and bruises. Bioflavonoids are involved in maintaining the health of the collagen that holds the cells together by forming the basement membranes of cells, tissues, and cartilage. Bioflavonoids are used by the body to help strengthen and reduce the permeability of blood vessel walls. It may prevent hemorrhoids, miscarriages, capillary fragility, nosebleed, retinal bleeding in people with diabetes and hypertension. Recently studies shows that bioflavonoids may help in the blood clot, this alone can be helpful in treating phlebitis and other clotting disorders.

Recommended dosage of Vitamin P

No dosage has been determined but 500 mg per day is indicated for supplementation, typically recommended dosage for women in menopause is 1000 - 1500 milligrams a day.

Deficiency symptoms 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.

Food sources of Vitamin P

The best sources of flavonoids are citrus fruits particularly lemon, apricots, blackberries, cherries, grapefruit, grapes, oranges, plums, prunes, and rose hips. Green pepper, broccoli, and tomatoes are some good vegetable sources of bioflavonoids.

Toxicity

Bioflavonoids are generally safe. Excesses will be stored to a limited extent in the body, though most of the excess will be eliminated in the urine and sweat. No consistent toxicity has been linked to the bioflavonoids. However, extremely high doses may cause diarrhea, pregnant women are advised not to take megadoses of bioflavonoids.