Lipoflavonoids are an alternative medicine recommended by manufacturers to treat tinnitus and Meniere's disease. The claimed benefit is theoretical and based on anecdotal evidence. There is insufficient scientific evidence at this time to support its use in the treatment of tinnitus or Meniere's disease.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus involves hearing a phantom noise--ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, whistling or hissing--when there is no external sound. The exact cause is often never found. According to MayoClinic.com, common causes include age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, earwax blockage and ear bone changes. There are many other less common causes: Meniere's disease, stress and depression, head or neck injuries, acoustic neuroma and, rarely, a variety of blood vessel disorders. Treatment begins with identifying and treating the underlying condition, such as earwax removal, treating a blood vessel condition or changing a medication. Noise suppression and certain medications may help in dealing with tinnitus symptoms. Alternative therapies--including acupuncture, hypnosis, ginkgo, zinc supplements and lipoflavonoid--have little evidence to support their effectiveness.
Meniere's Disease
MayoClinic.com describes Meniere's disease as a disorder of the inner ear that causes vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear. While the cause of Meniere's disease is not well understood, it appears to be due to abnormal volume or composition of fluid in the inner ear. Potential triggers have been proposed, including improper fluid drainage, abnormal immune response, allergies, viral infection, genetic predisposition and head trauma. There are a variety of medications used to treat vertigo attacks and, if necessary, hearing aids to deal with permanent hearing loss. Dietary and lifestyle changes--limiting sodium, caffeine and nicotine and managing stress--can help lessen severity and frequency of symptoms. Lipoflavonoids are considered an alternative treatment for which there is insufficient evidence.
Ingredients
There are multiple brands of lipoflavonoids available. The primary ingredients are vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, choline, bioflavonoids and inositol. Inactive ingredients include calcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silica and dyes.
Theorized Action
According to the Natural Medicines Database, in the early 1960s H.L. Williams theorized that a specific lemon bioflavonoid called eriodictyol glycoside increased circulation to the ear. He reported in turn that eriodictyol glycoside might improve hearing and decrease vertigo and nausea and vomiting in some patients with Meniere's disease. However, this claim was based on anecdotal evidence and has not been verified. In fact, the product label claims evidence only that it increases ear circulation, not that it decreases tinnitus or improves symptoms of Meniere's disease.
Safety
Products containing inositol should not be used by pregnant or lactating women. Multiple ingredients in lipoflavonoid supplements have potential drug interactions, including niacin and vitamins B6, B12 and C. The levels of B and C vitamins included in this supplement are not generally associated with side effects. Check with your health care provider or pharmacist before adding or changing dietary supplements due to potential drug interactions.
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