Quercetin is a pigment found in some of the plant foods we regularly consume. It is called a bioflavonoid, and these chemicals function as antioxidants in the body, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. When used as a supplement, quercetin is often used to treat inflammation, especially inflammation associated with conditions such as prostatitis, arthritis and interstitial cystitis. Although quercetin is consumed as part of a healthy diet, to be used therapeutically it needs to be taken in supplement form. Always consult with a qualified medical practitioner before using quercetin to treat bothersome inflammation.
Dietary Sources
Quercetin can be found in many of the foods we eat each day. Fruits such as citrus fruits and apples are especially abundant in the flavonoid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other dietary sources include dark-colored berries--including cherries, blackberries, blueberries and bilberries--grapes, onions, parsley and olive oil. Quercetin is also naturally present in red wine and teas. When consumed as part of your normal diet, quercetin is safe. However, consult with a health professional before using quercetin supplements to improve your health.
How It Works
Quercetin is a phenol that functions as an antioxidant in the body. Its anti-inflammatory properties are believed to occur because it is able to decrease the production of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, in particular histamines and leukotrienes, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Other chemical properties of quercetin may be useful in treating and preventing cancer, although more human research is needed. Always consult with a knowledgeable professional before using quercetin to improve your health.
Dosage
When taken as a supplement, quercetin is available as a capsule or tablet. The recommended dosage depends on the condition being treated. For inflammatory conditions such as chronic prostatitis or interstitial cystitis, users should take 500mg twice daily, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Allergy suffers can use 250mg to 600mg daily in several divided doses. A general dosage for treating inflammation and other conditions is 100mg to 250mg three times daily. Before using quercetin supplements, speak with a medical professional to ensure you understand proper dosing.
Safety Precautions
When used as directed, quercetin is generally regarded as safe when used as a supplement to reduce inflammation. However, when taken in large doses--those exceeding 1g daily--it may cause damage to the kidneys, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because of this risk, it should not be used by people with kidney disease. Some studies have also shown that pregnant women using quercetin along with other bioflavonoids may increase the likelihood of their infants developing leukemia. For this reason, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised against using it. To make sure you understand all the potential risks, speak with a medical practitioner before using quercetin.
Side Effects
Most people who use quercetin as a supplement will not experience any side effects. Early research suggests, however, that use of the flavonoid as a supplement may cause a decrease in protein function in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, more research is still needed into the effect. It's best to speak with a knowledgeable health-care provider before using quercetin supplements.
Drug Interactions
Quercetin supplements may cause adverse drug reactions or interfere with the absorption of some drugs in the body. Cyclosporine may not be absorbed properly when used along with the supplement, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Corticosteroid drugs may stay in the body longer when taken by people also using quercetin. It also may amplify the effects of blood-thinning drugs, increasing the risk of severe bleeding. Always discuss all the drugs and supplements you are using with a medical professional before using quercetin supplements.
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