Monday, December 10, 2012

Quercetin supplementation creates body uptick

Quercetin, a flavonol in fruits and vegetables, has been demonstrated to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating influences. The purpose of a British Journal of Nutrition study was to determine if quercetin, vitamin C and niacin supplements (500 mg/d of quercetin, 125 mg/d of vitamin C and 5 mg/d of niacin OR 1000 mg/d of quercetin, 250 mg/d of vitamin C and 10 mg/d of niacin) would alter small-molecule metabolite profiles and serum quercetin conjugate levels in adults. 

Healthy adults were assigned using a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial to one of three supplement groups (Q-1000, Q-500 or placebo). Overnight fasted blood samples were collected at 0, 1 and 3 months.

Quercetin supplementation was associated with significant shifts in 163 metabolites/quercetin conjugates. The top five metabolite shifts were an increase in serum guaiacol, 2-oxo-4-methylthiobutanoic acid, allocystathionine and two bile acids. 

In human subjects, long-term quercetin supplementation exerts disparate and wide-ranging metabolic effects and changes in quercetin conjugate concentrations. Metabolic shifts were apparent at the 1000 mg/d dose. Further research is required to understand the health implications of these shifts.

Bonnie: The health implications are what our clients have known forever: lower inflammation and a stronger immune system.

No comments: