What Is Quercetin? Here's What to Know About How the Ingredient Can Help With Immune Support*

Quercetin is known to have antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize free radicals in the body.*
Image Credit: Nature’s Way/GettyImages/LIVESTRONG.com Creative

When you hear the words "nutrients for immune support," you likely automatically think of vitamin C (or maybe vitamin D or zinc if you really know your immune-support stuff).*

The first word that pops into your brain probably ‌isn't‌ "quercetin," but this lesser-known nutrient has a lot to offer your immune system, too.*

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"Along with vitamins D and C and zinc, quercetin is a versatile nutrient with antioxidant properties that can complement other essential nutrients to support immune health," says Vani Chopra, PhD, RDN, education content manager at Nature's Way®.*

Chopra says quercetin can be found in certain fruits and vegetables, as well as in Nature's Way Quercetin Gummies with Zinc, which also provides 100 percent of the daily value of zinc per two-gummy serving. Keep reading for more reasons why she believes quercetin should be a part of everyone's daily immune-support habits.*

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What Is Quercetin?

Quercetin is a yellow plant pigment that is one of the most abundant dietary flavonoids, according to a December 2016 Pharmacognosy Reviews review.* Flavonoids have antioxidant properties and are associated with a wide range of health benefits, including supporting the immune system, according to a December 2016 Journal of Nutritional Science review.*

"[Flavonoids] scavenge and neutralize particles in the body known as free radicals which damage cell membranes and have other effects," Chopra says.*

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How Quercetin Helps Support the Immune System*

In addition to its antioxidant properties, quercetin can help support the immune system through its special relationship with zinc, which is known for its immune-support properties.*

"Quercetin can act as a zinc ionophore, meaning it can transport zinc into cells where it's needed," Chopra says.* "And ... zinc plays an important role in supporting the immune system.* These together can provide antioxidant and immune support to the body."*

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That's why the two are paired together in Nature's Way Quercetin Gummies — think of quercetin as zinc's supportive best friend, helping it reach its full potential.*

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How to Get Your Fill of Quercetin

Because quercetin is not produced by the human body, you have to turn to ingestible sources to get your daily supply.

The nutrient can be found in foods such as onions, berries, grapes, cherries, citrus fruits and broccoli, according to Chopra. However, she notes that the amount of quercetin in foods is relatively low.

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In fact, the National Institutes of Health notes that a nutritious diet provides up to 13 milligrams of quercetin per day, while Quercetin Gummies with Zinc have 125 milligrams per two-gummy serving. With the dual power of quercetin and zinc, your immune system will thank you for the extra dose of daily support.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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