Effect of quercetin supplementation on maximal oxygen uptake in men and women

• Published in: Journal of sports sciences Vol. 28; no. 2; pp. 201 - 208
• Main Authors: Ganio, Matthew S., Armstrong, Lawrence E., Johnson, Evan C., Klau, Jennifer F., Ballard, Kevin D., Michniak-Kohn, Bozena, Kaushik, Diksha, Maresh, Carl M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 01.01.2010; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; aerobic capacity; Antioxidants; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Biological and medical sciences; Cross-Over Studies; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Effects; endurance; Exercise; Exercise - physiology; Female; Flavonoid; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gender differences; Humans; Male; maximal oxygen uptake; Oxygen; Oxygen Consumption - drug effects; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Quercetin - pharmacology; Running - physiology; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports; Walking - physiology; Young Adult; Physical exercise; Human; maximal oxygen uptake; Oxygen consumption; exercise; Antioxidant; Flavonoid; Polyphenol; Sport; Quercetin; Female; Proanthocyanidin; Endurance; Supplementation; aerobic capacity
• ISSN: 0264-0414; 1466-447X
• DOI: 10.1080/02640410903428558

Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The effect of quercetin supplementation on maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O 2max ) is unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to test the effects of quercetin supplementation on [Vdot]O 2max in untrained, sedentary individuals. After baseline treadmill [Vdot]O 2max testing, 11 participants (5 males, 6 females) ingested either placebo or quercetin-supplemented (1000 mg · day −1 ) food bars in a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover research design. The participants ingested food bars for six consecutive mornings (5 days). On the sixth morning, participants underwent repeat [Vdot]O 2max testing. After a 22 day wash-out, the participants repeated baseline [Vdot]O 2max testing, daily consumption of the opposite food bars, and post-supplementation [Vdot]O 2max testing. The condition × time interaction for [Vdot]O 2max was non-significant when expressed in absolute (litres · min −1 ; P = 0.929) and relative (ml · kg −1  · min −1 ; P = 0.778) terms. These findings were similar when taking sex into account (P > 0.05). The mean difference in [Vdot]O 2max change from pre to post between groups (quercetin vs. placebo) was 0.139 ml · kg −1  · min −1 (P = 0.780). Other physiological measures also were similar between conditions (P > 0.05). In conclusion, 5 days of quercetin supplementation did not influence [Vdot]O 2max or related variables in sedentary men and women.