Quercetin Reduces Flu Susceptibility

A new study shows that quercetin¹ significantly reduces susceptibility to the flu, great news for everyone as we head into the flu season.  Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid found in fruits and vegetables and available as a dietary supplement. 

In this animal study mice were exposed to the flu virus under various conditions, including increased stress from exercise.  The mice given quercetin were able to offset the adverse effects of stress and showed much less susceptibility to the flu.

The researchers noted that “a recent human study found that people who took quercetin suffered fewer illnesses following three days of exhaustive exercise compared to those who did not. Unlike the mouse study, the humans were not inoculated with a virus.”

The authors concluded: “This is the first controlled experimental study to show a benefit of short-term quercetin feedings on susceptibility to respiratory infection following exercise stress.”