NDL Flavonoid Database To Come Online Soon

NDL Flavonoid Database To Come Online Soon

BELTSVILLE, Md.--Researchers at the Nutrient DataLaboratory (NDL) reported in the March issue of Agricultural Research thata new searchable flavonoid database will soon be up and running online. Work onthe database started with a collaboration between researchers at NDL, theAgriculture Research Service (ARS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's(USDA) Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. The team searchedexisting scientific literature and reviewed information supplied from foodproducers to compile the flavonoid database.

The database divides flavonoids into five subclasses: flavonols,flavones, flavanones, flavans and anthocyanidins. Foods such as citrus, berries,onions, tea and red wine contain considerable amounts of flavonoids. These foodsand approximately 220 others are included in the database, with each food havingbeen assigned a quality value.

"These 'confidence codes,' lettered A, B, C or D, appear ina column alongside the values posted," said Joanne Holden, who heads NDL."This column gives users a handle on the quality of the data provided. Byknowing the flavonoid content of foods, researchers can assess dietary intakesof flavonoids and perhaps one day identify relationships between those intakesand various chronic-disease risk factors."

To access the database, visit www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp.