Estimation of daily intake distribution of flavonols and flavanones in Denmark

Abstract

Flavonoids are a part of the large group of polyphenols, and they are found in tea, fruit, vegetables, and red wine. The daily flavonoid (flavonols and flavanones) intake in Denmark was calculated based on consumption and analysis of flavonoid contents of foods on the Danish market. Orange, tea, onions, and orange juice were found to provide the greatest contributions to the total flavonoid intake, whereas green vegetables made minor contributions to the intake. Gender differences in flavonoid intake were observed, a lower mean flavonol and flavanone consumption was calculated for men (20 mg/day) than for women (26 mg/day). The gender difference could be almost solely explained by the differences in consumption of tea and oranges. It will, however, be relevant to consider a total estimate of flavonoids (flavones, flavonols, flavanones, procyanidins, and anthocyanidins), as well as other natural antioxidants, to evaluate the health effects of foods. Key words: Flavonoids, fruit and vegetables, gender differences, intake, tea