From the Guidelines
Vitamin P is not a recognized vitamin in the scientific community, and instead, the term refers to a group of plant compounds called flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and may support blood vessel health. The term "Vitamin P" was historically used to describe these compounds, particularly citrus bioflavonoids such as hesperidin and rutin, which are found in fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods, especially citrus fruits, berries, tea, and dark chocolate 1.
Key Points
- Flavonoids, including those referred to as "Vitamin P", have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and certain malignancies 1.
- A diet rich in polyphenols, including flavonoids, can alter the gut microbiota, encouraging the growth of healthy microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium histolyticum and Clostridium perfringens 1.
- To increase flavonoid intake, it is recommended to incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet, rather than seeking supplements specifically labeled as "Vitamin P".
Benefits of Flavonoids
- May help reduce inflammation and support immune function
- May lower the risk of certain chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and certain malignancies
- May support blood vessel health
- May alter the gut microbiota, encouraging the growth of healthy microorganisms and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria
Food Sources
- Citrus fruits
- Berries
- Tea
- Dark chocolate
- Other plant foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, seeds, and nuts It is essential to note that, unlike true vitamins, there is no established recommended daily intake for flavonoids, and deficiency symptoms are not recognized 1. Therefore, focusing on consuming a balanced diet rich in plant foods is the best way to potentially reap the health benefits of flavonoids.
From the Research
Definition and Classification of Vitamin P
- Vitamin P is an old concept that refers to a group of flavonoids, including quercetin, myricetin, and rutin 2
- These flavonoids are beneficial to the body due to their various physiological and pharmacological activities
Health Benefits of Vitamin P
- Vitamin P has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities 3
- It may also have antihypertensive effects, coronary heart disease prevention, and anti-human immunodeficiency virus functions 3
- The physiologic activity and mechanism of vitamin P are still not clear, but it is believed to affect the body through its physiological co-factors of cyclooxygenases (COXs) 2
Food Sources of Vitamin P
- Vitamin P can be found in various plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and spices 4, 5
- A diet rich in flavonoids, including vitamin P, is beneficial and its promotion is thus justifiable 4