The increasing prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) is having a significant impact on both physical and mental health, with symptoms like urge urinary incontinence and nocturia being influenced by factors such as inflammation and oxidative stress. Flavonoids, found in common foods like fruits, vegetables, and tea, are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Researchers of this study aimed to investigate this relationship, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the USDA Food and Nutrient Database to explore how flavonoid intake affects OAB risk.

The analysis revealed that higher consumption of certain flavonoid subclasses, specifically anthocyanidin and flavone, was associated with a reduced risk of OAB, while total flavonoid consumption did not show a significant effect. The results indicated a non-linear, J-shaped relationship between anthocyanidin intake and OAB risk, with age and education level influencing the impact of anthocyanidin. Additionally, race and physical activity were found to affect the flavone-OAB link. These findings suggest that dietary intake of anthocyanidin and flavone may be beneficial in managing OAB, pointing to the potential clinical significance of flavonoid-rich diets in OAB prevention and symptom management.

Reference: Lin C, Lyu J, Feng Z. Intake of dietary flavonoids in relation to overactive bladder among U.S. adults: a nutritional strategy for improving urinary health. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1437923. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1437923.