What’s the Hype over Quercetin? (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of a multi-part series.  Part 1 was Delaying Physical and Mental Fatigue with Phenylalanines & Tyrosine.

So, what the heck is Quercetin?

This is not be be confused with my Italian correspondent Roberto Quercetani who wrote the book World History of the One Lap Race (1850-2004) (which I highly recommend if you are a Quarter-miler).

Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, such as apple skins, berries, and tea leaves.

Quercetin is also the ingredient found in the energy drink FRS which is endorsed by Lance Armstrong.  It’s also found in an energy drink called VO2Boost (among other things, like Beta Alanine, but more on that in a later article)

As a supplement, it’s mostly associated with increasing immunity like Echinacea and you will often see it coupled with Vitamin C.

The question is how does it improve mental and physical performance?

It all started with a study from the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health.  The study showed an increase in endurance and V02 in untrained subjects.  (Note how I say untrained subjects).  It was shown to significantly increase endurance capacity and maximal oxygen capacity (VO2 max)

They claim Quercetin works by naturally triggering the body’s ability to produce more real energy.

In animal studies, it indicated Quercetin acts to increase the mitochondria in each cell, which makes sense.  Now they just have to prove it on humans.

In short, “energy drinks” that contain Quercetin are EXPENSIVE and if you believe it works, then for sure it will work.  I still prefer SNAC’s Vitalyze and 5-hour energy shots for better focus and mental alertness.  And then there is good ol’ caffeine.

Part 3 will talk about Beta Alanine…