Is quercetin the secret ingredient missing from your dog's wellness routine?
Known as “nature's antihistamine,” this powerful plant pigment offers an array of impressive health benefits—from allergy relief and anti-inflammatory effects to immune support and potential anticancer properties.
In this ultimate guide, we unpack the science behind quercetin, belonging to the “Vitamin P” group of powerful bioflavonoids, and its remarkable effects on dogs and people.
What is Quercetin?
Quercetin is a plant pigment (flavonoid) with potent antioxidant [6] and anti-inflammatory properties. It's naturally found in foods like apples, berries, and onions. In recent years, quercetin has become a popular supplement for dogs due to its wide range of potential health benefits.
Dietary Sources and Bioavailability
While quercetin is present in many fruits and vegetables, its bioavailability can vary significantly depending on the source and form of consumption. For dogs, the most common sources of quercetin include:
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Apples (without seeds)
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Blueberries
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Broccoli
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Green leafy vegetables
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However, researchers found that the bioavailability of quercetin from dietary sources is relatively low[1][2] and that in order to see significant benefits, supplement formulations containing fermented quercetin are much more effective in delivering therapeutic doses.
Health Benefits of Quercetin for Dogs and People
1. Allergy Relief
Quercetin is often referred to as “nature's antihistamine” due to its ability to stabilize mast cells and prevent histamine release. This makes it particularly effective in managing various types of allergies:
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Seasonal allergies
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Food allergies
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Environmental allergies
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By reducing the body's histamine response, quercetin can help alleviate symptoms like itching, inflammation, and discomfort associated with allergic reactions.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Quercetin's anti-inflammatory effects are well documented and can benefit both you and your dog from various inflammatory conditions:
Note: if you or your dog experience joint discomfort, muscle pain and stiffness or recovering from an injury, click here to learn about JointPowder (for dogs) and JointButter H+ (for humans).
3. Cancer-Fighting Potential
Emerging research [7][8] shows anticancer potential for quercetin, highlighting its ability to modulate cancer-related pathways, making it a potential complementary therapy in cancer treatment. Key aspects of quercetin's anticancer effects include:
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Mast cell tumor management: Reducing histamine release and inflammatory mediators linked to tumor progression
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Modulation of signaling pathways: Interfering with pathways involved in cancer progression.
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Gene expression regulation: Influencing genes related to cancer cell survival and metastasis.
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Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Contributing to chemoprevention and reducing inflammation-related carcinogenesis.
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4. Cardiovascular Support
A 2019 study[9] demonstrates quercetin's protective effects against atherosclerosis by influencing the markers related to lipid metabolism and cholesterol regulation. These findings suggest quercetin could be a beneficial dietary component in preventing cardiovascular disease by:
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Lipid regulation: Quercetin may help regulate lipid metabolism and cholesterol levels, crucial factors in heart health.
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Vascular function: Enhances blood vessel function, promoting better circulation.
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Blood pressure management: Potentially aids in reducing blood pressure, a key factor in heart health.
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5. Immune Health
Quercetin is known for its ability to modulate the immune system [2], offering significant benefits for dogs with autoimmune diseases or weakened immunity due to illness or age. Its key effects include:
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Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties [3]: Quercetin helps balance immune responses, reducing overactivity in autoimmune conditions while supporting overall immune function.
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Enhanced recovery: Research by Davis et al. (2009) [4] and Konrad & Nieman (2015) [5] highlights quercetin's role in reducing exercise-induced stress, enhancing recovery, and lowering susceptibility to respiratory infections.
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Protection against illness: By regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, quercetin strengthens the immune system, promoting faster recovery and better resilience against infections.
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Safety and Dosage
Quercetin is generally considered safe for people and dogs when used appropriately. A common dosage guideline is 5 mg of quercetin per pound of body weight daily.
Incorporating products, including quercetin, into your and dog's wellness routine could be a powerful step toward improved health, comfort, and vitality.
With its remarkable ability to ease allergies, reduce inflammation, support immunity, and potentially even fight cancer, this natural flavonoid offers promising benefits backed by scientific research.
It is much safer and less expensive than anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy drugs while providing clear long-term benefits. This is why quercetin is included in our joint and mobility support.
References
- Moon, Y. J., Wang, L., DiCenzo, R., & Morris, M. E. (2008). Quercetin pharmacokinetics in humans. Clinical Trial Biopharm Drug Dispos, 29(4), 205-217. doi: 10.1002/bdd.605.
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Graefe, E. U., Derendorf, H., & Veit, M. (1999). Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of the flavonol quercetin.
- Harwood, M., Danielewska-Nikiel, B., Borzelleca, J. F., Flamm, G. W., Williams, G. M., & Lines, T. C. (2007). A critical review of the data related to the safety of quercetin and lack of evidence of in vivo toxicity, including lack of genotoxic/carcinogenic properties. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45(11), 2179-2205. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2007.05.015
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Davis, J. M., Murphy, E. A., & Carmichael, M. D. (2009). Effects of the dietary flavonoid quercetin upon performance and health.
- Konrad, M., & Nieman, D. C. (Year). Evaluation of quercetin as a countermeasure to exercise-induced physiological stress. In Antioxidants in Sport Nutrition (Chapter 10). NIH NLM Logo.
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Young, J. F., et al. (1999). Effect of fruit juice intake on urinary quercetin excretion and biomarkers of antioxidative status.
- Rauf, A., Imran, M., Khan, I. A., Rehman, M. U., Gilani, S. A., Mehmood, Z., & Mubarak, M. S. (2018). Anticancer potential of quercetin: A comprehensive review. Review Phytother Res, 32(11), 2109-2130. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6155.
- Niedzwiecki, A., Roomi, M. W., Kalinovsky, T., & Rath, M. (2016). Anticancer Efficacy of Polyphenols and Their Combinations. Nutrients, 8(9), 552. doi: 10.3390/nu8090552.
- Cao, H., Jia, Q., Shen, D., Yan, L., Chen, C., & Xing, S. (2019). Quercetin has a protective effect on atherosclerosis via enhancement of autophagy in ApoE−/− mice. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 18(4), 2451–2458. doi: 10.3892/etm.2019.7851.
- Theoharides, T. C., Conti, P., & Economu, M. (2019). Impact of polyphenols on mast cells with special emphasis on the effect of quercetin and luteolin. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 114, 108824. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108824.
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