Quercetin Intake Can Benefit Athletic Performance and Endurance

Reference: “The dietary flavonoid quercetin increases VO(2max) and endurance capacity,” Davis JM, Carlstedt CJ, et al, Int J Sport Jutr Exerc Metab, 2010 Feb; 20(1):56-62. (Address: Division of Applied Physiology, Dept. of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. E-mail: markd@mailbox.sc.edu ). 
Summary: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, results indicate that supplementation with quercetin (500 mg/d) for 7 days may increase endurance without exercise training in untrained participants. Participants received quercetin twice daily dissolved in vitamin-enriched Tang. Quercetin intake for seven days was associated with a modest increase in VO2max and a significant increase in ride time to fatigue. The authors conclude, “This apparent increase in fitness without exercise training may have implications beyond that of performance enhancement to health promotion and disease prevention.” Additional research is warranted.