Quercetin is a nutrient found in fruits and vegetables that may have important antioxidant properties. You can take quercetin as a supplement to help in relieving a variety of health problems, such as diabetes. However, there is not enough scientific information from human studies to support the use of quercetin for any condition. If you have diabetes, first talk to your doctor before using quercetin for medicinal purposes.
Treatment
One of the major hallmarks of diabetes is the body's inability to properly utilize glucose, a sugar that is used for energy. Consequently, the glucose stays in the blood and its levels continue to rise, leading to health problems. Diabetes needs to be treated because it increases the risk of various health complications, such as heart disease, eye problems, kidney problems and stroke. Available treatments include healthy lifestyle habits, acupuncture, medicines and supplements, such as quercetin.
How It Works
Quercetin belongs to a group of substances called bioflavonoids that are responsible for the color of some fruits and vegetables, and they may also provide strong antioxidant properties. The antioxidant effects are the basis of many health benefit claims. However, although laboratory studies have shown bioflavonoids to possess antioxidant properties, this effect has not been proven in humans. While bioflavonoids, such as quercetin, are not essential nutrients, they are found in many plants and may possibly help to improve health.
Benefits in Diabetes
If you have diabetes, quercetin may offer possible benefits in preventing certain complications. Some proponents of quercetin have suggested that it may lower levels of a substance called sorbitol that builds up in the nerves, kidneys and eyes of diabetics and possibly causes serious damage. However, presently there are no human trials that have studied whether quercetin actually helps to protect against diabetic-induced nerve, kidney or eye damage.
Sources
Quercetin can be found in a variety of foods, including citrus fruits onions, apples, red wine, black tea; smaller amounts are found in leafy green vegetables and beans. However, these foods do not contain enough quercetin to give you a therapeutic dose, so you will need to take a supplement. Quercetin supplements are available in tablet or capsule form, and the usual dose is 200 to 400 milligrams taken three times a day.
