Pilot study explores potential of quercetin to reduce risk of COVID-19 infection
In the study, led by researchers at the University of Pavia in Italy, 120 healthcare workers were randomized to receive either placebo or 250 mg twice daily of a proprietary quercetin supplement for three months.
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A recent pilot study1 investigated whether supplementation with quercetin could be an effective prophylactic against COVID-19 infection. In the study, led by researchers at the University of Pavia in Italy, 120 healthcare workers were randomized to receive either placebo or 250 mg twice daily of a proprietary quercetin supplement for three months. The supplement subjects took is called Quercefit, from Indena (Milan, Italy), which is formulated using the company’s Phytosome delivery system.
Subjects underwent rapid COVID-19 diagnostic tests every 3 weeks, and at the close of the study, five subjects contracted COVID-19; one from the treatment group, and four from the placebo group. Complete clinical remission was recorded at 7 and 15 days in the quercetin and placebo groups, respectively. After analysis, the researchers determined that at five months, the COVID free survival function (risk of infection) was 99.8% for the quercetin group and 96.5% for the placebo group. This demonstrates the potential for the ingredient to provide long-term protection. Ultimately, supplementation with quercetic offered 14% more protection factor than placebo.
"We are very happy to work with such prestigious University with the aim to further investigate quercetin Phytosome (Quercefit) potential in supporting a healthy condition during this COVID-19 period, thus contributing to explore how nature may help fighting the pandemic,” says Pietro Allegrini, R&D director of Indena S.p.A. – Quercefit is one of Indena’s signature ingredient and an example of company’s continuous commitment in developing high quality, effective and innovative products, to face the most important and current challenges for human wellbeing.”
More research is required before quercetin can be added as a regular prophylaxis, say the researchers.
Reference
- Rondanelli M et al. “Promising Effects of 3-Month Period of Quercetin Phytosome Supplementation in the Prevention of Symptomatic COVID-19 Disease in Healthcare Workers: A Pilot Study.” Life, vol. 12, no. 1 (2022): 66
