If you keep up with the latest health trends, you may have heard of Wellemon™, a new flavonoid extract used in various heart health and antioxidant formulas.
But what exactly is Wellemon™, where does it come from, and what are its benefits?
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about Wellemon™, including how we’re using it to help supercharge specific formulas.
What is Wellemon™?
Wellemon™ is a natural flavonone extract from whole, sustainably-sourced Spanish lemon fruits (citrus limon L.).
It is a rich source of eriocitrin, a secondary plant substance with antioxidant and inflammatory-supportive properties. REF#2019
Flavanones, a type of flavonoid, are a class of potent plant compounds that include various antioxidants such as Quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferoland, that help optimize absorption of vitamin C. REF#2020
There are over 10,000 types of flavonoids known. REF#2021
What makes Wellemon™ unique among flavonone products is it contains a potent source of eriocitrin sourced from lemons.
Preliminary research has shown eriocitrin in Wellemon™ may be more absorbable than hesperidin, the typical flavonoid sourced from oranges. REF#2022
In the study, researchers compared the bioavailability and metabolism of flavonoids from lemon and orange extracts, and analyzed changes in metabolic markers after a high-fat-high-sugar meal in humans.
The study showed intake of eriocitrin from lemon extract yields lemon and orange metabolites, due to a process known as hesperidin-eriodictyol interconversion which is exclusive to an eriocitrin metabolite.
This means Wellemon™ can provide a higher total concentration of bioactive metabolites which may support various aspects of health.
How Wellemon™ May Support Health & Wellbeing
The standardized and highly absorbable eriocitrin within Wellemon™ may support various aspects of health.
Let’s explore some of these benefits now.
Supporting & Protecting Cell Health
Research has shown that flavonones, like those found in Wellemon™, act as powerful antioxidants which protect and support cells from oxidative stress from free radicals. REF#2023 REF#2024
Antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay cell damage from excess free radicals (unstable molecules). REF#2023
Free radical damage can lead to oxidation of the cells resulting in premature aging and other issues.
Promoting Optimal Vitamin C Absorption
Flavonoids, like those found in Wellemon™, are well-known to help support the absorption and utilization of vitamin C by inhibiting its breakdown in the body.
This is why most vitamin C supplements contain bioflavonoids.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and antioxidant that plays a role in hundreds of bodily processes, including: REF#2025 REF#2026
- Immune function
- Cellular health
- Digestive function
- Collagen production
- Aging
- Iron absorption
- Skin health
- Cardiovascular function
The best way to get enough vitamin C is by eating plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, which contain natural vitamin C and bioflavonoids.
If you and your doctor are concerned, you’re not getting enough vitamin C, a vitamin C /bioflavonoid supplement may be beneficial.
Support Cardiovascular Health
Bioflavonoids, like flavonols, have been extensively studied for their effects on cardiovascular health.
For example, a meta-analysis of 14 prospective studies showed that higher intakes in each flavonoid category, including flavonols, were significantly associated with greater cardiovascular health. REF#2027
Eriocitrin, the main flavonoid in lemons, has also been shown to support normal lipid levels and blood sugar. REF#2028
Bioflavonoids are believed to benefit cardiovascular health due to their previously mentioned antioxidant effects, which support normal inflammatory responses. REF#2029
Bioflavonoids are also found in fruits and vegetables, which provide additional cardiovascular benefits.
Supporting Skin Health
Antioxidants, including flavonoids, have long been used to support skin health and help prevent the signs of aging.
Flavonoids been shown to benefit the skin by: REF#2021 REF#2028 REF#2030
- Absorbing UV rays
- Supporting normal inflammatory response
- Protecting skin cells
Flavonoids are routinely added to skin care products and may provide a benefit when used topically.
However, the research suggests ingestion of flavonoids from foods or supplements may provide the greatest benefit.
Supporting Immune Function
Various flavonoids and flavonoid-rich foods have been shown to support normal immune function by helping regulate normal immune and inflammatory response. REF#2031 REF#2032
More research is needed on the flavonoid-immune connection. However, it does speak to the power of eating a healthy, plant-based diet to promote immune health*.
How Gaia Herbs is Using Wellemon™
Gaia Herbs is excited to start incorporating Wellemon™ into some of our new immune, heart, and cellular-support formulas.
We chose this specific flavonol because of its superior absorbability, sustainable sourcing, and clean extraction methods, which include a water-only standardization method.
Be sure to check the blog, social media, and your email for new product announcements.
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- 4. , "New Insights into the Metabolism of the Flavanones Eriocitrin and Hesperidin: A Comparative Human Pharmacokinetic Study", Antioxidants. 4
- 5. , "Eriocitrin: A review of pharmacological effects", Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy. 5
- 6. , "Flavonoids as antioxidants", Journal of Natural Products. 6
- 7. , "Vitamin C", NIH Medline Plus. 7
- 8. , "The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health", Nutrients. 8
- 9. , "Flavonoid intake and risk of CVD: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies", British Journal of Nutrition. 9
- 10. , "A comprehensive study of eriocitrin metabolism in vivo and in vitro based on an efficient UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS strategy", The Royal Society of Chemistry. 10
- 11. , "Flavonoids: an overview", Journal of Nutritional Science. 11
- 12. , "Flavonoids and their therapeutic applications in skin diseases", Arch Dermatol Res 315, 321–331. 12
- 13. , "Pharmacological Activity of Eriodictyol: The Major Natural Polyphenolic Flavanone", Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Medicine. 13
- 14. , "Natural flavonols: actions, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic utility for various diseases", Beni-Suef Univ J Basic Appl Sci. 14