Spring is right around the corner. With it, we see the beautiful spring flowers in yellows and reds. Have you ever thought about what makes the beautiful colors of flowers? Bioflavonoids.
Bioflavonoids are found in most plants, some with a greater abundance than others. They have a variety of roles. The colors of flowers are to attract the bees and pollinators. The bioflavonoids in roots function as signaling molecules for root growth and nitrogen fixation. In leaves, they help protect the plant from stress, including heat/cold stress.
Bioflavonoids come in an abundance of colors, bright yellow found in lemons; orange, found in oranges or carrots; reds, found in grapefruit, berries, and red wine.
◆︎ Function:
Bioflavonoids have many activities:
Anti-inflammatory: They have been shown to reduce inflammation by affecting the inflammation signaling. See article on inflammation here.
Anti-oxidant: Another of their activities is to reduce oxidation within the body. This is important in stressful situations, or situations in which the horse has an oxidative challenge. Anti-oxidant article here.
Signaling molecules: Bioflavonoids affect many different pathways through signaling molecules and chemical messengers. They help the body maintain a healthier state.
Examples of bioflavonoids:
We’ve heard of some of the bioflavonoids. In the human diet, common sources are in chocolate, coffee, tea, red wine, and colorful fruits and vegetables.
There are over 5,000 different bioflavonoids. Some of the names are familiar: resveratrol, quercetin, and curcumin (found in turmeric).
They are touted as being a part of a healthy diet.
◆︎ Challenges:
All of this sounds fantastic. Why aren’t bioflavonoids discussed more frequently?
Small amounts in plants: In a dried orange peel, only 2-5% of the peel consists of bioflavonoids. Orange juice has even less, with Valencia oranges containing only about 6 mg/liter of juice. There are recommendations that humans should consume anywhere from 50 to 1,000 mg per day. This may be difficult to achieve in our western diet.
Low bioavailability: Besides having a small amount present in food, we’re faced with the issue that bioflavonoids have a low absorption rate. This makes it even more critical that we consume sufficient amounts for health support.
Readily available: Information is frequently disseminated by corporate advertising. When you have a product that is not supported by corporate advertising, you are less likely to hear about the benefits of that product.
◆︎ My Best Horse’s bioflavonoids:
One of the distinguishing features of the bioflavonoids available from My Best Horse is that they are human grade, and highly concentrated or even USP grade. This means that to get 1,000 mg of the bioflavonoid, you would need to feed about 1,000 mg of the supplement. For example, Turmeric EX is 95% curcuminoids and the turmeric available from the grocery store contains 1-7% curcuminoids.
◆︎ Potential benefits to the horse:
There are many instances that bioflavonoids may help support your horse's health. These include allergies, breathing issues, arthritis, and even pain support, amongst others.
➡ Allergies: Common bioflavonoids that may be helpful for allergies include Mov-Ease and quercetin.
➡ Breathing issues: Breathing issues have been discussed here. Bioflavonoids that may help support breathing include Mov-Ease and quercetin.
➡ Stiffness and arthritis issues: Arthritis issues have been discussed here. Bioflavonoids that may help support breathing include Mov-Ease, quercetin, and turmeric.
➡ Pain support: Bioflavonoids may be helpful for pain support, discussed here. These include Mov-Ease, quercetin, turmeric, resveratrol, Lyme support, and luteolin.
Many times, horses can be better supported with more than one supplement.
◆︎ Final thoughts:
There are many tools we have in our toolbox to help our horses. Bioflavonoids are one of the tools, but not the only tool. For any of the issues, there are other classes of molecules that may be supportive. And of course, a veterinarian’s input is always advised.
We do the best that we can for our horses. Understanding the usefulness of bioflavonoids is one of them.
Do you have a special photo or story that you’d like to share? Email to sales@mybesthorse.com
Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
©Joan Kulifay 2025