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Flavanone

Also known as: Flavanones, flavanone derivatives, citrus flavonoids, hesperetin, naringenin, eriodictyol, Flavanone

Overview

Flavanones are a subclass of flavonoids, which are polyphenolic compounds naturally abundant in citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. They contribute to the characteristic bitter taste of these fruits. As dietary supplements, flavanones are valued for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiometabolic properties, and are also investigated for their potential in preventing respiratory infections and supporting ocular health. These compounds exhibit moderate bioavailability, undergoing significant metabolism in the gut and liver to produce bioactive metabolites. Their biological activities include modulating inflammatory pathways and reducing oxidative stress. Research on flavanones is moderately advanced, with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting their efficacy, though heterogeneity in study designs and flavanone sources remains a consideration.

Benefits

Flavanones offer several evidence-based benefits. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 RCTs demonstrated that flavonoid-containing supplements, including flavanones, significantly reduced the incidence and duration of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) with a good safety profile. For cardiometabolic health, flavanone-containing products (e.g., from tea, cocoa, apples) have shown modest but significant reductions in BMI, waist circumference, and blood lipid levels, particularly benefiting overweight individuals and those not on medication. Furthermore, a 2021 meta-analysis indicated that flavonoids might ameliorate clinical manifestations of various ocular disorders. Preclinical meta-analyses also suggest that flavonoids can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in animal models, pointing to potential organ-protective effects. While the effects on metabolic parameters are modest, they are comparable to other natural products, and the prevention of respiratory infections shows statistically significant reductions in incidence and symptom duration.

How it works

Flavanones exert their beneficial effects primarily by modulating inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and by reducing oxidative stress through free radical scavenging. They also influence lipid metabolism pathways. These compounds interact with various body systems, including the immune system, where they help reduce susceptibility to infections, and the cardiovascular system, by improving lipid profiles and body composition. In ocular tissues, they contribute to reducing inflammation and oxidative damage. At a molecular level, flavanones are known to interact with pathways like NF-κB, modulate antioxidant enzymes, and regulate inflammatory mediators and lipid metabolism. They have moderate oral bioavailability and are extensively metabolized by gut microbiota and liver enzymes, with their bioactive metabolites contributing significantly to their overall effects.

Side effects

Flavanones are generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in randomized controlled trials. Common side effects are rare or minimal, and no significant adverse events have been consistently reported in meta-analyses. Uncommon and rare side effects are not well documented in high-quality studies, suggesting they are infrequent. Potential drug interactions exist with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, as flavonoids can influence these metabolic pathways; however, the clinical significance of these interactions is currently unclear. There are no established contraindications for flavanone supplementation, but caution is advised for individuals taking multiple medications. Specific data for pregnant or lactating women are limited, and these populations should consult healthcare providers before use.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for flavanones is not definitively established and varies depending on the specific flavanone type and desired outcome. Studies have utilized a range of doses; for instance, hesperidin doses from 150 mg/day upwards have been investigated for cardiometabolic effects. A maximum safe dose has not been clearly defined, but high doses have generally been well tolerated in clinical trials. Supplementation is typically administered daily over weeks to months in research settings. Flavanone supplements are often standardized extracts from citrus or other flavanone-rich sources. Bioavailability can be influenced by the food matrix and gut microbiota, and co-administration with fats may enhance absorption. No specific cofactors are required, but overall diet quality may influence the efficacy of flavanone supplementation.

FAQs

Are flavanones effective for respiratory infections?

Yes, evidence from meta-analyses supports that flavonoid supplementation, including flavanones, can reduce the incidence and duration of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs).

Can flavanones improve heart health?

Modest improvements in lipid profiles, BMI, and waist circumference have been observed with flavanone-containing products, suggesting potential cardiometabolic benefits.

Are flavanones safe for long-term use?

Current evidence from clinical trials indicates that flavanones have a good safety profile with a low incidence of adverse events, suggesting they are safe for long-term use.

How soon can benefits be expected?

Respiratory benefits may be observed within weeks of supplementation, while metabolic effects typically require longer-term use, often several months.

Do all flavonoids have the same effects?

No, the effects vary significantly by flavonoid subclass. Flavanones have distinct bioactivities compared to other flavonoids like flavonols or flavanols.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35940344/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 RCTs found that flavonoid-containing supplements significantly reduced the incidence and duration of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) and were generally safe. The study highlights the potential of flavonoids, including flavanones, in immune support.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.651441/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that flavonoids may ameliorate clinical manifestations of various ocular disorders. It suggests a role for flavonoids in improving ocular health outcomes, likely through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.929343/full – This meta-analysis of preclinical studies demonstrated that flavonoids reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in animal models exposed to nanomaterials. The findings provide mechanistic insights into the organ-protective potential of flavonoids, including flavanones.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5537860/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, focusing on flavanols from tea, cocoa, and apple products, showed modest but significant reductions in BMI, waist circumference, and blood lipid levels. It suggests cardiometabolic benefits, particularly for overweight individuals, from flavonoid-rich dietary components.