Evidence supporting the use of: Flavans
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): 3

Flavans, a subclass of flavonoids found in various plants (notably in tea, cocoa, and some fruits), have garnered scientific interest for their potential role in bone health and osteoporosis prevention. Several preclinical studies suggest that flavans and their polymeric forms (proanthocyanidins) may positively modulate bone metabolism. They appear to stimulate osteoblast (bone-building cell) activity, inhibit osteoclast (bone-resorbing cell) function, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation—mechanisms implicated in osteoporosis development. Some animal studies have demonstrated increased bone mineral density and improved bone microarchitecture following flavan supplementation.

Human evidence, while promising, is currently limited. Epidemiological studies indicate that higher dietary intake of flavonoid-rich foods is associated with greater bone mineral density and reduced fracture risk in older adults. However, direct clinical trials examining isolated flavans’ effects on osteoporosis outcomes are few, and results are sometimes inconsistent due to variations in dosage, flavan source, and study populations.

Overall, while there is growing scientific support for the potential benefits of flavans in osteoporosis prevention or management, the evidence is not yet robust enough to warrant clinical recommendations. More large-scale, controlled human trials are needed to confirm efficacy, optimal dosing, and safety. Flavans are not a primary therapy for osteoporosis but may contribute to bone health as part of a diet rich in plant-based polyphenols.

More about Flavans
More about Osteoporosis

Other ingredients used for Osteoporosis

7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
Alfalfa
algal oil
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
astragalus
beta caryophyllene
sesame
blueberry
boron
bovine
broccoli
calcium
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
cissus quadrangularis
collagen
collard
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
curcumin
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fish protein
genistein
genistin
glycitin
gooseberry
hesperetin
hesperidin
horsetail
ipriflavone
knotweed
kale
lentinula edodes mycelia
lignans
maca
magnesium
manganese
microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
phosphorus
pomegranate
prune
quercetin
rehmannia glutinosa
resveratrol
rutin
sardines
silicon
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
strontium
tocotrienols
tomato
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin K
seaweed
whey protein
zinc
red clover
haliotis
cistanche
dioscorea
fern
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
barrenwort
goji berry
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
soy isoflavones
8-Prenylnaringenin
Animal Tissue
Antler
Apigenin
Algas calcareas
Acacetin
Astragaloside
Ampelopsin
Algal protein
Algalin
Abalone
Arctiin
Astragalin
Animal protein
Bok Choy
Bovine Protein
biochanin
Bone Protein
Calycosin
Cod Liver Oil
Cyanidin
Chinese Ligustrum berry
DHEA
Daidzein
Diosgenin
Drynaria
Diosmetin
epicatechin
Ecdysteroids
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Eucommia ulmoides
Estrogen
Fo-Ti
formononetin
Fish
Flavanones
Flavans
Flavanols
Flavones
Hyperoside
Isoflavones
icariin
Kaempferol
Lycium
Lithothamnion
Legume protein
Mineral Blend
Marine Protein
Milk Protein
Naringenin
Neoeriocitrin
Puerarin
Phytoecdysteroid
Phaeophyceae
Polysaccharides
Procyanidin
Proanthocyanidins
Polyunsaturated Fat
Paeoniflorin
Phytoestrogens
Polymethoxylated flavones
Rehmannia
Soy
Soy Protein
silica
Shilajit
Stilbenoid
Ursolic Acid
Vegetable Protein
Wakame
Xanthophyll

Products containing Flavans

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