Quercetin may not be as well-known as others, but it is one of the most abundant antioxidants found in the diet. The natural pigment of this plant-based flavonoid is found in fruits, grains, and vegetables. This nutrient is also believed to lower the risk of disease, as well as allergy symptoms, inflammation, and high blood pressure.
The supplement can be taken in phytosome form, a method of encapsulating drugs to increase bioavailability. For better absorption into the body, quercetin is bound with sunflower lecithin to produce a quercetin phytosome. The phospholipids have a greater ability to cross the gut barrier and be ingested and utilized by the body compared to unbound quercetin.
Read on to learn more about the effects of quercetin, its uses, benefits, and potential side effects.
What is Quercetin Phytosome?
Quercetin is a natural pigment that acts as an antioxidant when it enters the body. Its antioxidant activity allows it to bind to and neutralize free radicals that cause disease. It may also help support athletic performance, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and support general wellness.
As one of the most abundant antioxidants in the diet, it is found in several food groups including fruits, vegetables, grains, tea, and red wine. You can also take it in supplemental form. The average person will consume 10-100 mg of quercetin a day.
What are Quercetin Phytosome Benefits?
May Counterbalance a Respiratory Infection
Quercetin’s antioxidant properties have established its potential to support a healthy respiratory system. It was put to the test in a 2022 study involving 120 participants divided into two groups. The first group took quercetin for three months, and the other group took a placebo.
Results showed that only one subject in the quercetin group contracted the respiratory illness COVID as compared to four subjects in the placebo group. Quercetin subjects with COVID recovered in 7 days, while subjects in the placebo group recovered in 14 days. This singular study showed that test subjects who took quercetin had a 14% protection factor against COVID.
However, this statement is not meant to act as medical advice. More research is needed to establish quercetin’s COVID-fighting and respiratory supportive properties.
Manages Inflammation
Some studies suggest that quercetin may reduce inflammation that is linked to chronic disease. An 8-week study showed that 500 mg of the quercetin phytosome can also target rheumatoid arthritis inflammation and help mitigate symptoms like stiffness, morning pain, and after-activity pain. Test tube studies showed it can reduce inflammation markers in humans such as the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Minimizes Allergy Symptoms
Quercetin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may reduce allergy symptoms. Test tube and animal studies have found that it may lower allergy-related inflammation and suppress histamines.
One animal study showed that quercetin may counter peanut-related anaphylactic reactions in mice. However, it’s unclear if it can produce the same results in humans.
May Support Healthy Cells
The antioxidants in quercetin may support its ability to suppress unhealthy cell growth, especially in the liver, heart, breast, lung, blood, and colon.
May Benefit Cognitive Health
Research shows that quercetin may benefit cognitive health and reduce cognitive decline due to aging. An animal study showed that 3 months of 2 daily injections of quercetin lowered Alzheimer’s markers in mice. Other studies have found the supplement to help with early-stage Alzheimer’s, but it may not provide support in later stages of the disease.
Now you know more about what is quercetin phytosome. It is a natural pigment with beneficial effects from its antioxidant properties that may support cognitive health, minimize inflammation, reduce allergy symptoms, and counter respiratory infection. How will you include it in your dietary regimen?
If you’re ready to get started trying quercetin phytosome supplements, read more about our research on the best quercetin supplement here. Also discuss your questions with a certified nutritionist or your healthcare provider.
