Taking Zinc and Quercetin Supplements Together Could Strengthen Immune System

Zinc and quercetin are both powerful antioxidants that bolster the immune system. Many people associate zinc with fighting colds and the flu, but it also offers other health benefits. Zinc appears in every cell of the body, yet our bodies can’t produce it naturally.

While quercetin may not have the same name recognition as zinc, it gained popularity during the pandemic for its potential antiviral effects, which include inhibiting inflammation. The body also can't create it. Together, these two supplements can help with immune function.

Zinc is a mineral that boosts the immune system, aids metabolic function, helps reduce inflammation, and maintains the senses of taste and smell. It also assists with wound healing as 5 percent of the zinc we have is stored in the skin.

Foods high in zinc include shellfish (especially oysters), red meat, pork, tofu, yogurt, chickpeas, lentils, pumpkin seeds, oatmeal, and nuts.

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Quercetin is a plant compound known as a flavonoid, which is part of the larger group of polyphenols. It’s believed to reduce inflammation, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Quercetin is also thought to promote immune function, inhibit cancer cell growth, and provide anti-aging benefits. It also has promising antiviral properties.

Onions, kale, grapes, blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, and broccoli are among foods high in quercetin. Red wine, black and green tea, and other beverages also contain quercetin.

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Zinc and quercetin are synergistic, meaning they are more effective when taken together than separately. This is because quercetin helps transport zinc into the center of cells. As a non-fat-soluble, positively charged ion, zinc needs a carrier to help it across cell membranes comprised of fat.

Quercetin is an ionophore, a fat-soluble substance that assists zinc in this process and increases zinc concentration within cells. Zinc isn’t as effectively absorbed without an ionophore — and the body can’t derive its maximum benefits. Taken together, the immune benefits are enhanced and more potent. 

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Various zinc and quercetin supplements are available, separately and combined. When deciding on a supplement, remember that the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of daily zinc intake for adults is 8 milligrams for women and 11 for men. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) is 40 milligrams daily for adults. For those taking quercetin, a daily amount of 500 to 1,000 milligrams is a typical dose.

Another way to reap the benefits of zinc and quercetin is to combine certain foods. You can combine a handful of nuts with some red grapes, or yogurt (preferably Greek) mixed with blueberries, and sautéed onions and apples as a side dish or topping for pork or steak.

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Side effects at doses higher than 150 milligrams can include indigestion, stomach pain, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.  

Zinc can interact with the following medications: blood pressure drugs called ACE inhibitors, quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics, and thiazide diuretics. If you take any of those drugs, you should check with your healthcare provider before taking zinc. 

Side effects can include headaches, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. High doses can cause kidney damage. 

Anyone taking the following medication should avoid quercetin until they’ve consulted with their doctor: immunosuppressants, blood thinners, chemotherapy medications, corticosteroids, and blood pressure medicine. People with kidney disease or kidney issues of any type should avoid quercetin.

This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.

Our writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:

• Frontiers. Quercetin as a possible complementary agent for early-stage COVID-19: Concluding Results of a randomized clinical trial.

• Nutrients. Zinc in Wound Healing Modulation.

• NIH. Zinc.

• Oregon State University. Flavonoids.

• USDA. FlavonoidContent of Vegetables.

• Science Direct. Ionophore.

• StatPearls. Biochemistry, Water Soluble Vitamins.

• NIH. Nutrient Recommendations and Databases.

• StatPearls. Zinc. 

• National Cancer Institue. immunosuppressive agent.