Evidence supporting the use of: Flavans
For the health condition: Osteoporosis

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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)
8-Prenylnaringenin
Abalone
Acacetin
Alfalfa
algal oil
Algal protein
Algalin
Algas calcareas
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
animal protein
animal Tissue
anthocyanins
antler
apigenin
arctiin
ashwagandha
astragalin
astragaloside
astragalus
barrenwort
beta caryophyllene
biochanin
blueberry
bok choy
bone protein
boron
bovine
bovine protein
broccoli
calcium
calycosin
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Cissus quadrangularis
cistanche
cod liver oil
collagen
collard
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
curcumin
cyanidin
daidzein
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
dioscorea
diosgenin
diosmetin
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
Drynaria
ecdysteroids
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epicatechin
equol (proprietary)
estrogen
Eucommia ulmoides
fern
fish
fish protein
flavanols
flavanones
flavans
flavones
fo-ti
formononetin
genistein
genistin
glycitin
goji berry
gooseberry
haliotis
hesperetin
hesperidin
horsetail
Hyperoside
icariin
ipriflavone
isoflavones
Kaempferol
kale
knotweed
Legume protein
Lentinula edodes mycelia
lignans
Lithothamnion
Lycium
maca
magnesium
manganese
Marine protein
Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
Milk Protein
Mineral blend
Naringenin
Neoeriocitrin
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
paeoniflorin
Phaeophyceae
phosphorus
Phytoecdysteroid
Phytoestrogens
polymethoxylated flavones
polysaccharides
polyunsaturated fat
pomegranate
proanthocyanidins
procyanidin
prune
Puerarin
quercetin
red clover
Rehmannia
rehmannia glutinosa
resveratrol
royal jelly
rutin
seaweed
sesame
Shilajit
silica
silicon
Soy
soy isoflavones
Soy Protein
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Stilbenoid
strontium
tocotrienols
Ursolic Acid
Vegetable Protein
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin K
Wakame
Whey protein
Xanthophyll
Zinc

Products containing flavans

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