Quercetin

Quercetin: origin and background Quercetin is a naturally occurring plant compound belonging to the flavonoid family, specifically the flavonol group. Plants produce flavonoids as part of their natural protective system, helping them respond to environmental pressures such as sunlight and oxidative stress. Quercetin has attracted scientific interest because of its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help reduce free radicals formed in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced through normal metabolism and exposure to environmental factors. When present in excess, they can contribute to oxidative stress. In the human diet, quercetin occurs naturally in foods including onions, apples, berries, grapes, leafy vegetables, tea and some herbs. The amount present varies according to the plant variety, growing conditions, storage and food preparation. Although quercetin is widely distributed in food, ordinary quercetin has relatively limited water solubility and absorption. This has encouraged the development of specialised delivery systems, including quercetin–phospholipid complexes, designed to improve how quercetin is dispersed and absorbed. HIVITA Quercetin uses Quercefit®, a premium quercetin Phytosome® ingredient developed by Indena. In this delivery system, quercetin is associated with a food-grade phospholipid matrix rather than being supplied only as conventional unformulated quercetin. It is a convenient one a day formula to help relieve symptoms of hay fever, mild allergies and allergic rhinitis.