Quercetin is not something people normally talk about. Especially Quercetin and Covid. Don’t feel bad if you haven’t heard about it. Neither had I until the Coronavirus outbreak. Some of my favorite functional medicine specialists made me aware of it. They told me how Quercetin helps absorbs zinc. So what you say? Read on to see why this is important.
But first, our disclaimer:
“This blog post provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. The opinions and views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, health practice or other institution.”
Quercetin is a naturally occurring nutrient found in plants called a Flavenol. It can also be taken as a supplement. The FDA has also approved Quercetin as a prescription medication in larger quantities.
The small intestine can rapidly absorb the nutrient in its most common form, Isoquercetin. Isoquercetin is found naturally in:
- Raspberries
- Black grapes
- Raw broccoli
- Raw red onion
- Red wine
- Black tea
- Whole nectarines
- Green, leafy vegetables
Quercetin and Your Immune System
Besides being a healthy nutrient, Quercetin is showing signs of really helping people’s immune systems. It is a potent antioxidant that can block viruses such as SARS and potentially the Coronavirus from entering host cells. That’s according to a study published in the Journal of Virology about Quercetin and Covid. Quercetin also helps the absorption of Vitamin C that can help your immune system as well.
It also serves as a transport vehicle, or Ionophore if you want to be technical, for vital nutrients like zinc. Quercetin helps absorb zinc in your cells. Zinc has been shown to really fight viruses. Many people who are in serious trouble with the Coronavirus are showing symptoms very similar to zinc deficiency. So why is Quercetin and Covid important? Zinc on it’s own has a tough time penetrating cell walls. An Ionophore like Quercetin carries the Zinc into the cell where it can fight viruses most effectively.
Want to know another Ionophore? Hydroxychloroquine that everyone is talking about as an effective treatment of Coronavirus. That Z-Pack that goes with it is a big dose of Zinc.
Other studies have shown that Quercetin inhibits the growth of Rhinoviruses and Influenza. It even has had some success combating the Hepatitis C virus. All of this because Quercetin helps absorb zinc.
Should you worry about side effects with Quercetin and Covid? There are very few side effects of Quercetin, and practically none if you ingest it naturally. You can have 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day without worrying about side effects. In higher concentrations such as a supplement some people may experience a headache or numbness and tingling. In even higher concentrations, such as an intravenous ingestion, Quercetin may have other side effects. If you’re ingesting Quercetin at those levels though, a doctor is probably prescribing it to you.
So how much Quercetin should you take for Quercetin helps absorb zinc? According to our functional medicine expert, Dr. Timothy Gerhart, taking 500mg of Quercetin a day will be a good dose to help your immune system. That should also when you’re talking Quercetin and Covid.
Quercetin can be one part of an overall plan to boost people’s immune systems. A strong immune system will help people of all ages, including the elderly, beat this Coronavirus.
