Citrus Bioflavonoid Concentrate
Also known as: Citrus flavonoids, Citrus bioflavonoid concentrate, Hesperidin, Naringin, Citrus Bioflavonoids
Overview
Citrus bioflavonoids are a class of polyphenolic compounds derived from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and tangerines. Key constituents include hesperidin, naringin, and eriocitrin. They are primarily used to support cardiovascular health, provide antioxidant effects, exert anti-inflammatory properties, and offer skin photoprotection. These compounds exhibit antioxidant activity, improve endothelial function, reduce inflammation, and modulate lipid and glucose metabolism. Research maturity is moderate to advanced, with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses available. High-quality evidence from RCTs and meta-analyses supports cardiovascular benefits, especially in enhancing endothelial function. Citrus bioflavonoids are often concentrated into supplement form from citrus fruit peels and pulp.
Benefits
Citrus bioflavonoids significantly improve endothelial function, as demonstrated by a meta-analysis showing a 2.75% increase in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) with supplementation (p < 0.001). A dose-response relationship exists, with each 200 mg/day increment increasing FMD by 1.09% (p < 0.001). Secondary benefits include antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, modulation of lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory effects, and photoprotective effects on skin. Cardiovascular disease patients and individuals with endothelial dysfunction benefit from improved vascular function. Diabetic populations may experience improved metabolic parameters. Photoprotection effects showed a notable increase in minimal erythema dose (MED) after several weeks of supplementation. These effects are clinically relevant for cardiovascular risk reduction and skin health.
How it works
Citrus bioflavonoids exert their effects through several biological pathways. Their antioxidant activity involves scavenging free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. They enhance nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, improving endothelial-dependent vasodilation. Anti-inflammatory modulation reduces cytokine production and apoptosis. In the cardiovascular system, they improve endothelial function and vascular tone. In the metabolic system, they improve insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. They also modulate inflammatory responses in the immune system. Molecular targets include endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and inhibition of pro-inflammatory transcription factors like NF-κB. Citrus flavonoids have moderate bioavailability; hesperidin and naringin are metabolized by gut microbiota to more bioactive forms.
Side effects
Citrus bioflavonoids are generally regarded as safe with a low incidence of adverse effects in clinical trials. Common side effects are not consistently reported. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of individuals, may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Rare side effects are not significantly documented. Potential drug interactions exist with anticoagulants and drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes due to flavonoid effects on metabolism, though the clinical significance is unclear. There are no formal contraindications, but caution is advised in patients on multiple medications. Limited data exists for pregnant or lactating women, but they are generally considered safe in adults.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of citrus flavonoids is approximately 200 mg/day to observe endothelial benefits. Optimal dosage ranges are between 200–500 mg/day, based on dose-response meta-analysis. The maximum safe dose is not clearly established, but doses up to 500 mg/day are well-tolerated in trials. Daily intake is recommended, with benefits accruing over weeks. Standardized extracts with quantified hesperidin and naringin content are preferred. Co-administration with food may enhance absorption. No specific cofactors are required, but general nutritional adequacy supports efficacy.
FAQs
Does citrus bioflavonoid concentrate improve heart health?
Yes, it significantly improves endothelial function, a key factor in cardiovascular health. Studies have shown improvements in flow-mediated dilation with regular supplementation.
Are there any safety concerns?
It is generally safe with minimal side effects reported in clinical trials. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in some individuals, but serious adverse events are rare.
How long until effects are seen?
Improvements in vascular function and skin photoprotection are typically observed after several weeks to months of consistent use. Daily intake is recommended for optimal results.
Can it replace medications?
No, it should be considered a complementary supplement, not a replacement for prescribed therapies. Consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate medical advice.
Is it effective in all populations?
Most evidence is from adults with or at risk of cardiovascular disease; effects in other populations need further study. Individual responses may vary.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38561995/ – This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis included 8 RCTs with 596 participants and found a statistically significant 2.75% increase in FMD with citrus flavonoid supplementation versus placebo (p < 0.001). The dose-response analysis showed linear benefits with increasing dose. The study's quality was assessed as high due to the RCT design and robust meta-analytic methods, although it noted limitations including high heterogeneity and relatively short intervention durations.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6431442/ – This narrative review summarized multiple mechanistic and clinical studies showing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, glucose metabolism, and lipid modulation effects of citrus flavonoids. It emphasized the need for further clinical trials to clarify mechanisms and efficacy. The review was based on preclinical and clinical data, providing mechanistic insights into the effects of citrus bioflavonoids.
- https://examine.com/research-feed/study/dnxZP0/ – This study is an RCT involving oral supplementation of citrus bioflavonoids combined with rosemary extract and showed increased skin resistance to UVB-induced damage, with significant increases in minimal erythema dose after 8 and 12 weeks. It demonstrated potential for systemic photoprotection. Limitations include combination with another extract and moderate sample size.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/5484138 – This review discusses the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of citrus flavonoids, highlighting their potential benefits in managing conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. It emphasizes the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds and their role in improving endothelial function and glucose metabolism. The review suggests that citrus flavonoids could be a valuable addition to strategies aimed at preventing and managing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
- https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=105983 – This study investigates the photoprotective effects of citrus bioflavonoids on the skin, demonstrating that oral supplementation can increase resistance to UVB-induced damage. The research shows significant increases in the minimal erythema dose (MED) after several weeks of supplementation, indicating a potential for systemic photoprotection. The findings suggest that citrus bioflavonoids may offer a natural approach to enhancing skin health and reducing the risk of sun-related skin damage.
Supplements Containing Citrus Bioflavonoid Concentrate
Special C
Douglas Laboratories
Selenium 200 mcg
Thompson
Ultra Woman Sport
Vitamin World
Super Fruit & Veggies
Country Farms
Women's Formula
Trader Joe's
Active Woman
Met-Rx
Hi-Potency Multi-Vitamin Delicious Natural Raspberry Flavor
Windmill
Liver Support
Nutrilite
Sleep Health
Nutrilite
Liver Support
Nutrilite
