Quercetin belongs to a group of flavonoids found in plants. As a natural source, it is rich in antioxidants. It has been linked to reduced heart diseases, degenerative brain disorders, and cancer. It works as a potent antioxidant in the body and has multiple health benefits. Zinc has also been a favorite mineral people use to boost their health.
However, quercetin has gotten quite popular in supplements combining it with zinc. Using zinc along with quercetin is known to boost the immune system and keep you safe from chest infections.
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Quercetin With Zinc Benefits
Zinc and quercetin are known to have various benefits individually. Studies show that using both together increases the benefits more than using both separately. The right quantities of zinc and quercetin provide greater immunity to the body and protect it from viral infections.
Boosting Immunity
Zinc has great antiviral properties, but it has difficulty in absorption in the body. Both zinc and quercetin have antiviral characteristics. Since zinc is a positively charged ion, it can’t be absorbed easily in the body due to fat-soluble cell membranes, which don’t allow positively charged ions to pass through. Quercetin is most beneficial as a zinc ionophore while enhancing its antiviral properties. [1]
According to research in China and South Korea, quercetin is an antiviral for viruses, including rhinovirus, influenza, and other respiratory viruses. Some suggest that quercetin can also be effective against the coronavirus. However, further research is required in this field.
Antiviral Properties
Both quercetin and zinc contain antiviral properties that inhibit different viruses, including the common cold. A study carried out in 1984 showed that zinc could control and limit the symptoms and duration of the common cold. Zinc can control these viruses through various methods, such as inactivating them, stopping replication, and controlling RNA synthesis.
When combined with quercetin, the antiviral properties of both agents combine, bringing about a cumulative benefit to the body and protecting it from viruses.
How Much Zinc And Quercetin To Take
Quercetin and zinc are both found in natural foods. Quercetin being a flavonoid, can be obtained from plants and fruits. However, you can use supplements combining both daily to support your immune system.
In separate cases, the safe dosage of quercetin is 1 gram daily for 12 weeks or even 500 mg twice daily. On the other hand, you should take 50 mg per day in the form of elemental zinc. However, supplements with a combo of both have separate dosage instructions that you should follow. [2]
In other cases, it is best to ask your doctor about your daily or regular intake of zinc and quercetin. If you have underlying or obvious medical conditions, you shouldn’t consume zinc or quercetin without your doctor’s consultation.
Can You Take Zinc And Quercetin Together?
Zinc and quercetin are good for those who want to boost their immune system. Zinc is difficult to absorb alone by the body; hence it is recommended to use an ionophore that increases zinc absorption in the body. Quercetin is a naturally sourced flavonoid that helps the body absorb zinc while providing its benefits.
Quercetin and zinc are completely safe to use together. If you find a supplement that contains both, it is of greater benefit. However, if you are consuming both separately, taking quercetin after 4 hours of taking zinc is recommended since they compete for absorption separately.
Best Quercetin And Zinc Supplement
The best quercetin and zinc supplements will have appropriate amounts of both minerals. Moreover, when combined with Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, and zinc, a quercetin supplement provides all-around protection against all sorts of respiratory viruses, boosting energy and immunity.
So if you must get a supplement including zinc and quercetin, choose one with other minerals and vitamins packed in one. During the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors and physicians recommended increasing the intake of Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, and zinc along with quercetin to prevent the coronavirus and also for a quick recovery post-infection.
Quercetin And Zinc Side Effects
Even though both quercetin and zinc are natural products that boost immunity, there are certain side effects that you may face when consuming these, especially orally. The common side effects of quercetin include headache and numbness in the body. Moreover, quercetin also interacts with other drugs; hence, it is important to check that your medication does not interact with it. [3]
You should only take 40 mg of zinc daily. A higher dose may only be safe temporarily, under strict doctor observation. However, consuming more than 40mg daily reduces the amount of copper the body can absorb. High doses of zinc also cause indigestion, vomiting, and other mild side effects.
When used together, there are no serious implications. However, follow the recommended dosage to avoid any serious side effects.
The Bottomline
Quercetin and zinc are completely safe to use together. A major use of both increased during the COVID-19 pandemic when patients had to fight off chest and viral infections. Moreover, research shows that combining both minerals improves the absorption rate and enhances their ability to fight off viruses while boosting the immune system.
Nonetheless, you should consult a doctor before adding a supplement to your daily diet, especially if you take other medications. You can also consume both quercetin and zinc through natural foods and fruits. Further research is needed to confirm the combined benefits of quercetin and zinc apart from protecting the body against viral infections.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
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