FLAVONOIDS IN BULGARIAN WINES AND THEIR LEVEL OF CONSUMPTION

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Objective: Flavonoids have antioxidant powers that provide important health benefits. There is increasing scientific evidence, that they have anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. These molecules are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables and also in some beverages, such as tea and wine. We also know that mild alcohol consumption may have some cardiovascular benefits and wine plays an important role in the highly recommended Mediterranean diet. Bulgaria has an ancient tradition of wine production and we decided to determine the content of flavonoids in Bulgarian wines and also to estimate their intake in Bulgarian diet. Design and method: 2 white wines and 5 red wines varieties were studied. Among white wines we have selected Chardonnay and Muskat variety (the most popular types in Bulgaria). The same principle was followed for red wines – we have selected 3 national local red wine types, namely Gamza, Mavrud, Melnik and 2 international varieties produced in Bulgaria – Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot. For each wine 3 different individual samples from three different wine regions in the country we purchased. Each individual sample was analyzed in duplicates.A validated High performance liquid chromatography methods were used for the determination of catechins, and flavonols.Spectrophotometric measurement at 520 nm were used for total anthocyanins.For estimation of the dietary intake of flavonoids through Bulgarian wines in Bulgarian diet, a Household Budget Survey Method was used. Results: The mean concentration of flavonoids in the Bulgarian red wines was 233,4 mg/l. In the Bulgarian white wines, the flavonoid concentration was significantly lower-36.5 mg/l. The results from Household Budget Survey Method showed tendency of decreased wine consumption and increased beer consumption. We calculated the consumption of total flavonoids by wine in mg per day per capita.The trend was also negative. Conclusions: Despite of the high flavonoid concentration and their good quality and relatively low price, the consumption of Bulgarian wines decreases in Bulgaria. The medical community should not promote the alcohol intake in general, but mild consumption of red wine may provide some cardiovascular benefits, mainly through the flavonoid pathway.