Quercetin Useless For Boosting Endurance?

Quercetin—an antioxidant commonly sold in supplement form—may be no better than a placebo when it comes to enhancing athletic performance, a new study shows. Past studies on mice have suggested that quercetin may boost the production of energy-producing components in muscle cells and, in turn, increase endurance during exercise.

For the recent study, researchers had 30 healthy men consume a sports drink containing 250 mg of quercetin four times a day for up to 16 days, while a placebo group drank the same beverage without quercetin. Results showed that the short-term quercetin supplementation failed to improve cycling performance and the ability of muscles to synthesize energy.

Naturally occurring in berries, apples, black tea, and onions, quercetin has been found to fight allergies in test tube studies. Preliminary research suggests that quercetin may also help keep cholesterol in check, curb inflammation of the prostate, and prevent flu. However, these findings remain to be confirmed by larger studies.