WHAT IS QUERCETIN?

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid and a natural pigment found in numerous foods. Onions and grapes are the best food sources of quercetin (1). Quercetin’s unique properties allow it to interact synergistically with other bioflavonoids, and it may improve the absorption of other supplements as well.

Quercetin is an effective antioxidant, and it scavenges free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and cause oxidative stress. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from accumulating and causing health problems (2). Quercetin also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps support the immune system (3, 4).

QUERCETIN AND ZINC

Quercetin and zinc working together may help strengthen immune function (8, 9). Quercetin may act as a zinc-ionophore, which increases concentrations of zinc. Ionophores bind to ions and transport those ions across cell membranes. Ionophores often have antibacterial properties (10). Zinc plays a significant role in the immune system (11). Zinc deficiency reduces antibody production, which makes the body more susceptible to infections (12, 13). However, it’s difficult for zinc to distribute throughout cells (14). Quercetin acts as a zinc transport mechanism to increase cellular zinc concentrations (8, 9).

Zinc plays a significant role in the immune system (11). Zinc deficiency reduces antibody production, which makes the body more susceptible to infections (12, 13). However, it’s difficult for zinc to distribute throughout cells (14). Quercetin acts as a zinc transport mechanism to increase cellular zinc concentrations (8, 9).

QUERCETIN AND VITAMIN C

Like quercetin, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that supports the immune system (15). Vitamin C also improves iron absorption, which is critical for vegetarians and vegans as meat is a significant iron source (16). Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties help strengthen the skin, which may improve the body’s defenses against infection (17). Quercetin and vitamin C synergize to enhance their antiviral potential (15). Vitamin C recycles quercetin to increase its efficacy (15).

DID YOU KNOW?

Quercetin works synergistically with saponins and may enhance their anti-inflammatory properties (5). Saponins are a naturally occurring compound found in tea plants and tea extracts (6).

Quercetin also synergizes with green tea catechins. Green tea has four primary catechins, but the most potent is EGCG. Taken together, quercetin and green tea extract may improve exercise performance (7).

QUERCETIN AND RESVERATROL

Quercetin and resveratrol are both polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties (18). Resveratrol comes from a variety of plant sources including grapes, raspberries, plums, and grape tomatoes (19). Wine is another rich source of resveratrol and contains high amounts of quercetin as well (20). Combining these two antioxidants enhances their anti-inflammatory potential (21).