The flavonoid quercetin is an antioxidant. Flavonoids are a class of compounds with similar chemical structures. They are found in many foods, such as apples, blueberries and tea. Like other antioxidants, quercetin reduces the damage caused by free radicals to cell membranes, DNA and body tissues. As of 2011, there were no peer-reviewed, evidence-based studies on quercetin and autism.
Autism
Autism is a complex disorder that produces a cluster of behavioral symptoms that affect the development of communication and interactive skills. Often, language acquisition occurs late or not at all. Social interaction is minimal or inappropriate. While the disease is lifelong, PubMed Health reports that a multi-pronged treatment involving applied behavioral analysis, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy is very beneficial. In some instances, drugs may be useful in controlling behavior.
Warning
PubMed Health warns parents that there are widely publicized treatments for autism that do not have scientific support. Often, unscrupulous dealers prey upon parents with claims of "miracle cures" that do not live up to expectations. Incorrect ideas, such as the purported association between vaccines and autism, seem to take on a life of their own until they are finally proved wrong. Parents should be vigilant when evaluating possible alternative treatments and make sure that the treatment is safe for their child. Your doctor is your best resource for evaluating possible treatments.
Side Effects
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that in addition to lowering blood pressure, quercetin appears to have anti-inflammatory actions. However, it also can produce negative side effects. Some men taking 1,000 mg of quercetin per day experienced nausea and headache. Intravenous administration of high doses in cancer patients caused kidney problems. Quercetin also can produce adverse affects when taking common drugs such as aspirin, prednisone and warfarin.
Recommendation
The University of California Berkeley Wellness Alert acknowledges the research findings that suggest that quercetin may have medical applications. However, it doesn't recommend that people take it as a supplement because the research findings are inconsistent. It suggests that quercetin might be most beneficial when taken with other flavonoids, such as occurs when you consume it in foods.
