Novel flavonoid combination reduces oxidative stress: Study
Published in the journal Nutrients, the Preves-Flavon retrospective observational study found that the novel antioxidant formula, in combination with a lifestyle program, reduced reactive oxidative metabolites (d-ROMs), markers of oxidative stress.
The data adds to evidence suggesting that antioxidants are critical factors in counteracting the oxidative stress associated with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Furthermore, the participants' decreased blood pressure and glucose suggest additional biological activity.
“These findings highlight the potential value of incorporating flavonoid-rich foods or supplements into preventive strategies for major NCDs,” the researchers wrote.
Noncommunicable diseases and oxidative stress
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 74% of all deaths globally are due to NCDs, and 17 million people die from NCDs before age 70 each year. Most of these deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases, followed by cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.
Oxidative stress damages and disrupts cellular components such as DNA, mitochondria and cell membranes, producing harmful by-products and impairing protein functions. These adverse effects are associated with aging and mortality. Previous studies indicate inflammation and oxidative stress are critical drivers of NCDs.
Additionally, the concept of ‘metaflammation’ proposes that evolutionary adaptation against starvation results in fat accumulation in an undernourished developing fetus (the thrifty phenotype hypothesis), and the resulting crosstalk between immune and metabolic pathways causes inflammation, obesity, and chronic diseases.
Scientists have investigated the role of polyphenols as modulators of metaflammation and oxidative stress in NCDs. However, studies highlight the challenges of estimating dietary intakes, leading to inconclusive results.
Study details
Thirty-two healthy participants between the ages of 45 and 65 took part in the Healthy Days Initiative, which assessed their health at baseline using tests and questionnaires and then provided personalized dietary and lifestyle advice.
In addition to the advice, a doctor offered participants a flavonoid supplement containing quercitrin, rutin and hesperidin, delivering 500 mg of flavonoids per tablet, which 31 of them agreed to. Six participants consumed one tablet per day, while 25 consumed two tablets.
The researchers observed a significant decrease in median reactive oxygen metabolites levels (d-ROMs) from 394.5 to 365.5. They also saw significant reductions in glucose levels and systolic blood pressure, which they commented aligned with previous research.
Almost 16% of participants reported mild or temporary side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues, headaches or irritability. However, 96.8% indicated a willingness to continue taking the supplement for an extended period.
While acknowledging the limitations of the observational study design, small sample size and short follow-up period, the researchers highlight the strengths of using d-ROMs as a marker for oxidative stress and using a unique formulation of flavonoids not extensively investigated before.
They noted that future research should include a prospective placebo-controlled trial with a long follow-up period to evaluate flavonoid supplementation's effect on morbidity and mortality associated with NCDs.
Source: Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3302; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193302
“The Impact of Flavonoid Supplementation on Serum Oxidative Stress Levels Measured via D-ROMs Test in the General Population: The PREVES-FLAVON Retrospective Observational Study”
Authors: G. Di Lorenzo et al.
