Vitamin P (Bioflavonoids) - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

Vitamin P is also called Bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids are not actually vitamins, although but most of the medical researcher says that it is as vitamin P. Bioflavonoids are the water-soluble companions of ascorbic acid, usually found in the same foods. If vitamin P is not present in human body then its main function is to keep blood vessels healthy. Bioflavonoids are often used in vitamin C supplements because they enhance the absorption and action of this vitamin. It used to help to maximize the benefits of vitamin C by inhibiting its breakdown in the body.

Functions and benefits of Vitamin P (Bioflavonoids)

Bioflavonoids protect vitamin C from oxidation and increase absorption of vitamin A . The main use of the bioflavonoids is to provide synergy in the utilization of vitamin C; therefore they contribute too many vitamin C applications for example, the treatment of colds and flu's.

There is the possibility of the ability to ease pain of varicose veins and help certain types of hemorrhoids. Vitamin P (Bioflavonoids) can also play an important role to prevent the accumulation of plaque inside these vessels and capillaries and also protects them from infection and disease.  Because of these properties, this vitamin is taken to reduce blood pressure, prevent hemorrhoids, miscarriages and nosebleeds. They may also be used in relieving pain in the legs, across the back, and can lessen the symptoms of prolonged bleeding, a low serum calcium as well as oral herpes.

Recommended Dosage for Vitamin P (Bioflavonoids)

There are no daily recommended allowances for this vitamin. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind. No dosage has been determined for Bioflavonoids (Vitamin P) but 500 mg per day is indicated for supplementation. If you are suffering from cold sores, consider taking a supplement of 1,000-mg Vitamin C and 1,000 mg Bioflavonoids, and then 500 mg of each, three times a day. 

Food sources of Vitamin P (Bioflavonoids)

This vitamin is found in apricots, bilberry, blackcurrants, broccoli, buckwheat, Cherries, Citrus fruits, Ginkgo, Grapes, Green Pepper, Green tea, Hawthorn, Milk thistle, Onions, Red wine, Rose hips, Tomatoes, Yarrow.

Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin P (Bioflavonoids)

If a diet contains enough fruit and vegetables, bioflavonoids should not be deficient, but deficiency would show up as bruising.