Quercetin, Resveratrol's Cousin, Increases Endurance In Athletes

Over the past year resveratrol has out shined quercetin in the flavanoid category of health supplements.  Many people have taken quercetin over the years to help with athletic performance and even with hopes of it having cancer fighting properties.

Quercetin is a flavanoid found in different plants and berries.  It has been tested in laboratories for its cancer fighting properties but has yet to be clinically proven to treat cancer in humans.  It is thought by many nutrition experts that the combination of resveratrol and quercetin is a powerful antioxidant mix that carries the potential for strong synergistic results. (Wikipedia)

While, as with resveratrol, little human studies have been completed to prove the benefits of quercetin, this past week researchers at the University of South Carolina released new research studying athletic performance.  12 healthy individuals were given either 500mg twice per day of quercetin mixed with Tang or a placebo of Tang minus the quercetin.

The participants receiving the quercetin were able to bike for 13.2% longer then those receiving the placebo after only 7 days of consumption.  While the results are part of a small sample set it indicates the potential benefits of quercetin supplementation in athletes.

While research has been slow due to the troubled world economic climate, research funding will hopefully increase as the economy rebounds.  Hopefully once funding returns to better levels some will be focused on the alternative medical field.

Live Longer,

Markus