What is the Deficiency Disease of Vitamin P? (Flavonoids)

In the 1930s, the term 'vitamin P' was used to describe substances found in citrus fruits that seemed to boost the effects of vitamin C. However, this is not a true vitamin, and there's no official deficiency disease of vitamin P.

Quick Summary

Vitamin P, now known as flavonoids, was thought to help with capillary health. A lack of these compounds can affect blood vessel permeability.

Key Points

• No Official Deficiency: 'Vitamin P' is an old term for flavonoids, and there's no recognized deficiency disease.

• Capillary Issues: Lack of flavonoids may affect capillaries, leading to bruising.

• Antioxidant Properties: Flavonoids are antioxidants that protect cells.

• Food Sources: Found in many plant foods, including fruits and vegetables.

• Balanced Diet is Best: Get flavonoids through a healthy diet rather than supplements.

The History of Vitamin P

During the 1930s, researchers such as Albert Szent-Gyorgyi found that citrus extracts worked better than pure vitamin C for some conditions. They discovered 'vitamin P' and believed it was key for capillary health.

Further research showed that 'vitamin P' wasn't a single substance but a family of plant chemicals called flavonoids. These are found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike real vitamins, flavonoids' absence doesn't cause a specific deficiency disease. Therefore, vitamin P lost its vitamin status.

Health Effects of Low Flavonoids

While there's no formal 'vitamin P deficiency disease,' a diet lacking flavonoids can lead to health problems, especially with capillary fragility and permeability. This can cause purpura-like conditions with small bruises or petechiae.

Signs of Low Flavonoid Intake

• Easy Bruising: A sign of weak capillaries.
• Petechiae: Small, round spots from bleeding under the skin.
• Hemorrhages: In serious cases, low flavonoids can cause significant bleeding.
• Poor Circulation: Reduced capillary function can affect blood flow.

The Role of Flavonoids

Today, flavonoids are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. They protect cells from damage and may lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Eating foods with flavonoids regularly can support heart and brain health.

Historical vs. Modern View

Feature	Historical 'Vitamin P'	Modern 'Flavonoids'
Status	Thought to be a vital nutrient.	Recognized as beneficial phytochemicals.
Composition	Initially thought to be a single entity.	A large and diverse family of plant compounds.
Function	Defined by its effect on capillary permeability.	Diverse functions, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles.
Deficiency	Associated with conditions like purpura.	Associated with a higher risk of chronic disease and capillary fragility.
Source	Crude plant extracts, often from citrus.	A wide variety of fruits, vegetables, teas, and cocoa.

Getting Enough Flavonoids

To avoid issues linked to 'vitamin P' deficiency, a diet rich in plant-based foods is recommended. Different flavonoids are found in various foods:

• Flavonols: In tea, kale, apples, and berries.
• Flavanones: Found in citrus fruits.
• Anthocyanins: Give berries, grapes, and red wine their color.
• Flavan-3-ols: In cocoa, apples, and green tea.

Focusing on varied foods is more effective than supplements.

Conclusion

There is no official 'vitamin P' deficiency disease because the term is outdated. While flavonoids are not true vitamins, regular intake is associated with stronger capillaries and better health. A diet rich in colorful plant foods is the best way to get these beneficial compounds. For more information, consult sources like the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vitamin P a real vitamin?

No, 'vitamin P' is an outdated term for flavonoids. It's not a real vitamin, and there's no recommended intake.

What happens if you have a flavonoid deficiency?

A low-flavonoid diet might lead to weak capillaries, causing easy bruising and petechiae.

What is the link between vitamin P and vitamin C?

Early studies showed that vitamin C and flavonoids together were more effective than vitamin C alone, leading to the discovery of flavonoids.

What foods contain flavonoids?

Flavonoids are in citrus fruits, berries, apples, tea, cocoa, red wine, and vegetables.

Are flavonoids and bioflavonoids the same thing?

Yes, bioflavonoids is another name for flavonoids, referring to their biological activity.

Can I get a flavonoid deficiency if I eat a balanced diet?

A varied, plant-rich diet makes a flavonoid deficiency unlikely.

Do I need to take vitamin P supplements?

Supplements aren't usually needed. A diet with diverse fruits and vegetables is best.