Some people claim that Lipo-Flavonoid may treat or prevent tinnitus by improving blood circulation in the inner ear. But limited research supports these claims.

Lipo-Flavonoid is an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement marketed as a natural remedy for managing symptoms and conditions that can affect the ear, nose, and throat.

It’s marketed primarily for treating tinnitus, which refers to hearing noises in your ears that don’t have an outside source. These noises may include whooshing, ringing, buzzing, or singing.

Proponents of Lipo-Flavonoid claim that the supplement’s natural ingredients may reduce the severity of tinnitus and help manage associated symptoms, such as sleeplessness.

However, very limited research supports these claims.

Keep reading to learn more about Lipo-Flavonoid and other treatments that may be more effective for tinnitus.

A note on supplements

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate or approve dietary supplements, and no supplements have been FDA-approved for managing tinnitus.

This means that companies can make claims about their products that aren’t necessarily true.

Supplements may also contain hidden ingredients or varying doses, which could cause side effects or interact with other drugs you take.

If you experience symptoms of tinnitus, speak with a healthcare professional or pharmacist before trying supplements. They can help you determine whether supplements are a good option for you.

Lipo-Flavonoid is an OTC supplement that contains ingredients like vitamins B3, B6, B12, and C. The main active ingredient is a proprietary blend that includes eriodictyol glycoside, a flavonoid found in lemon peels.

Flavonoids are compounds found in many plant products. They’re high in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from unstable molecules called free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and damage.

Proponents of Lipo-Flavonoid suggest that flavonoids may help relieve tinnitus symptoms due to their possible role in promoting vascular health.

For instance, problems with blood flow may be associated with tinnitus. Lipo-Flavonoid might help improve blood circulation by widening (vasodilating) the blood vessels in your cochlea and boosting their function. The cochlea is the part of your inner ear that helps you hear sounds.

Flavonoids may also help reduce cochlear inflammation and protect the inner ear from oxidative damage, toxins, and age-related degeneration.

Despite these possible mechanisms of action, very few studies have found benefits of Lipo-Flavonoid for tinnitus.

Lipo-Flavonoid is marketed as one of the best supplements for managing tinnitus, but very few studies support its purported benefits.

A 2021 study — funded by the makers of Lipo-Flavonoid, Clarion Brands — found that taking the supplements daily for 10 weeks helped reduce the intensity of tinnitus symptoms. Most participants were satisfied with the results.

However, other studies from 2016 and 2022 concluded that Lipo-Flavonoid therapy had no significant effects on managing or preventing tinnitus symptoms.

In fact, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Tinnitus Association don’t recommend Lipo-Flavonoid for tinnitus due to the lack of research. Lipo-Flavonoid is also not approved by the FDA for managing tinnitus.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before trying OTC remedies like Lipo-Flavonoid. They can help develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Side effects of Lipo-Flavonoid are largely anecdotal, but may include:

In rare cases, Lipo-Flavonoid may cause anaphylaxis, which could be life threatening. Get immediate medical attention if you or someone you’re with experiences any of the following symptoms after taking Lipo-Flavonoid:

  • difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat
  • rapid heart rate
  • skin that turns blue or gray
  • sudden dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or fainting

Several other supplements are promoted as being effective treatments for tinnitus, including:

Melatonin is also commonly used to reduce the severity of tinnitus and promote sleep in people who experience insomnia, which is a common symptom of tinnitus.

However, like Lipo-Flavonoid, limited research supports the use of supplements for tinnitus management, and there are no regulations or guidelines about their dosage.

Treatment for tinnitus will depend on several factors, such as the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms.

If a medical condition is causing symptoms, treating the problem should reduce or stop tinnitus. For tinnitus without an obvious cause, a healthcare professional may recommend the following treatments:

Lipo-Flavonoid is an OTC supplement marketed to help manage symptoms of tinnitus naturally. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that it’s beneficial, but very limited scientific studies support these purported benefits.

If you experience symptoms of tinnitus, speak with a healthcare professional before trying Lipo-Flavonoid or other OTC supplements. They can help develop an appropriate management plan for you.