What is quercetin?
Quercetin, which has many names (quercetin, quertin, quercetol or even 3,3′, 4′, 5, 7-pentahydroxyflavone), is a flavonoid of the flavonol type (there are more than 4000 of them).
It is an antioxidant belonging to the flavonoid family.
These are natural plant pigments that give vegetables, fruits and flowers their colour.
Flavonoids are highly regarded for their antioxidant properties and health benefits.
Quercetin is therefore only found in foods of plant origin.
The super antioxidant par excellence
You may know that quercetin is the most active of the flavonoids.
This means that many vegetables and medicinal plants owe part of their efficacy and benefits to their quercetin content.
When we talk about quercetin, we often refer to it as a super antioxidant.
This supermolecule is a key nutrient in the sense that it has a wide range of supporting functions for everyone's health.
Foods that are sources of quercetin
As a flavonoid, quercetin is found only in plant foods.
Lovage and Caper are the best sources.
In fact, they provide almost 180 mg per 100 grams, which is considerable.
It is also found in apples, red onions, grapes, berries, citrus fruits, broccoli, cherries and tea, as well as Ginkgo biloba and St. John's Wort.
It is present in most plants in varying amounts.
Therefore, it is important to have as many different food sources as possible.
Note that there are interesting levels of quercetin in dark chocolate and pepper.
It is also found in Elderberries.
The same goes for Blueberries and Cassis.
Uses and indications for quercetin
When found naturally in plants, quercetin can also be found in food supplements.
This is for internal use and involves taking capsules.
In fact, the bitter taste of quercetin can interfere with other forms.
Most recommendations are between 200 and 1,200 mg of quercetol per day, depending on the product, the manufacturer's instructions and any medical advice.
In general, quercetin is indicated to combat oxidative stress and premature cell ageing.
It is also used to boost the immune system, prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Finally, you can take quercetol to reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of developing cancer (especially bowel cancer).
The benefits of quercetin
- A key antioxidant: the super antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Cardiovascular protection and heart health
- Effects on allergies and asthma
The dangers of quercetin
Natural quercetin occurs naturally in plant foods and is safe.
However, it can also be found in the form of food supplements, usually intended to boost the immune system.
In this case, the active ingredient remains safe.
However, the way in which it is taken, and especially the amount taken, requires special precautions. Otherwise, quercetin may pose a health risk.
Possible side effects and contraindications
Dietary quercetin has no side effects. Quercetin is also safer to use.
However, supplements may not be.
The most common are stomach aches or headaches.
Prolonged use of this supplement can lead to kidney problems.
Quercetin supplements should not be used continuously or irrationally.
Medical advice is essential before taking quercetin supplements.
This is especially true if you suffer from stomach ulcers or acidity, or if you have a thyroid disorder.
To reduce the risk of adverse effects, choose a high-quality product made from carefully selected ingredients.
You should also follow the dosage and usage instructions carefully.
Interactions with herbs or dietary supplements
Quercetin is known to increase the body's absorption of vitamin C.
It also works synergistically with bromelain, a substance found mainly in pineapple.
These are therefore supplements that can be combined as part of an immunity boost.
Especially as winter approaches.
Otherwise, we are not aware of any specific interactions between kercetol and other plants or dietary supplements.
Medical care and advice is required before combining different products as part of a regimen.
Drug interactions
As quercetin is an active ingredient, it is likely to interact with other dietary supplements.
It may also interact with certain conventional medicines.
You should exercise caution and seek medical advice before using quercetin as a supplement.
This is especially true if you are undergoing medical treatment or have a medical condition.
These precautions apply in particular to anticoagulant treatments.
Quercetin interacts with these treatments.
If you are undergoing chemotherapy, it is essential to seek the advice of an oncologist before taking quercetin.
Finally, you should know that quercetin changes the bioavailability of an immunosuppressive drug (cyclosporine).
It is used to prevent transplant rejection.
It should therefore be used with extreme caution.