Evidence supporting the use of: Flavanol (mixture)
For the health condition: Osteoporosis

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Flavanols, a subclass of flavonoids found in foods such as cocoa, tea, apples, and berries, have been investigated for their potential role in supporting bone health and possibly preventing or treating osteoporosis. Scientific interest in flavanols for osteoporosis arises from their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are believed to influence bone remodeling processes. Preclinical studies (animal and in vitro) suggest that flavanols may promote osteoblast (bone-forming cell) activity and inhibit osteoclast (bone-resorbing cell) activity, thereby favoring bone formation over bone loss.

Some small human clinical trials and observational studies have reported associations between higher flavanol intake and improved markers of bone health, such as increased bone mineral density (BMD) or reduced bone turnover markers. For example, certain trials using cocoa flavanols or green tea extracts have shown modest benefits on bone biomarkers in postmenopausal women, a population at risk for osteoporosis. However, these studies tend to be short-term, have small sample sizes, and often use surrogate endpoints rather than clinical outcomes like fracture risk.

Overall, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence that flavanol mixtures could be beneficial for bone health, the quality and quantity of evidence remain limited. Larger, longer-term randomized controlled trials are needed to establish efficacy and clinical relevance in osteoporosis treatment or prevention.

More about Flavanol (mixture)
More about Osteoporosis

Products containing Flavanol (mixture)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.