Vital Wellness

Food-based vitamin C supplements contain bio-flavonoids. These colorful chemical compounds are intimately related to the ascorbic acid compound of vitamin C. The chemical structure of bio-flavonoids is similar to that of a drug called cromolyn, used in inhalers to reduce asthma-related inflamma­tion.

Bio-Flavonoids

Bio-flavonoids reportedly help reduce the release of symptom-producing histamine, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy connective tissue.

Unfortunately, experience with one of the common bio-flavonoids, quer­cetin, suggests that it isn’t readily absorbed, so the effectiveness in influenc­ing allergic reaction doesn’t always match the research done in the laboratory.

Researchers are still investigating the role of bio-flavonoids in allergy relief. For now, don’t rely on supplements alone; instead, emphasize better food choices, including bioflavonoid-rich foods such as cit­rus fruits, cherries, dark grapes, broccoli, red and green peppers, and herb teas (stinging nettle is specifically recommended for allergies). You’ll be getting a host of other helpful nutrients as well.