ABSTRACT
Quercetin has generally recognised as safe status according to criteria established by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Quercetin’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects may be augmented by the co-ingestion of N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and epigallocatechin 3-gallate. Athletes use antioxidant supplementation as a means to counteract the oxidative stress of exercise. To counter exercise-induced inflammation, muscle damage and soreness, the intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen is widespread among athletes, especially if they engage in ultra-distance sport. The literature is supportive of the antipathogenic capacities of quercetin when it is cultured with target cells and a broad spectrum of pathogens including upper respiratory tract infection-related rhinoviruses, adenoviruses and coronaviruses. Powers et al. contend that the appropriate duration of antioxidant supplementation is a key issue in investigations on exercise performance. The improvement of physical performance in athletes, however, might be due to quercetin’s antioxidant properties.
