[Potential toxicities of flavonoids]

Heya Wang1, Xianfeng Zhao, Yin Wang

  • 1National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China.

Insights

Flavonoids from fruits and vegetables offer health benefits but may pose risks. Research reviews potential toxicities, including genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and nutrient interactions, for informed consumption.

Area of Science:

  • Dietary compounds
  • Phytochemicals
  • Natural products

Context:

  • Flavonoids are abundant in fruits and vegetables.
  • Health benefits of flavonoids are widely recognized.
  • Emerging safety concerns necessitate a comprehensive review.

Purpose:

  • To review potential toxicities of flavonoids.
  • To synthesize recent findings on adverse health effects.
  • To provide an evidence-based overview of flavonoid safety.

Summary:

  • Flavonoids exhibit genotoxic/carcinogenic potential and can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis.
  • Isoflavones possess estrogenic activity, impacting sexual development in young organisms.
  • Flavonoids may inhibit nutrient absorption, alter drug pharmacokinetics, and affect neurobehavioral development.

Impact:

  • Informs consumers and healthcare professionals about potential flavonoid risks.
  • Guides future research on flavonoid safety and risk assessment.
  • Contributes to evidence-based dietary recommendations regarding flavonoid intake.

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