Best Quercetin and Zinc Supplements (2021)
What Is Quercetin?
Quercetin is an antioxidant that belongs to a class of water-soluble plant substances called flavonoids, which are present in certain fruits and vegetables. According to an article in Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science, the bioavailability of quercetin absorbed by your body varies, depending on the source where you get it, as well as your individual body’s metabolism of it. Sugar and dietary fat and fiber also affect it.
While the best way to get quercetin is through your diet, it also is available in supplement form, as pills or capsules. Sometimes, quercetin in supplement form is packaged with bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, because both have anti-inflammatory properties (Quercetin & Bromelain for inflammation). Most dietary supplements contain a chemical compound, aglycone, which is the free form of quercetin.
When looking for and using quercetin supplements, it’s important to maintain a nutritious, balanced diet with fiber and healthy fats in it, as research shows that accumulation of quercetin in the body is dependent on “factors such as glucose moieties, solubility, human factor, vitamin C status and food matrix.”
Specifically, research also says that quercetin supplementation is best achieved when consumed with a fat-enriched diet.
There are foods high in quercetin that you can add to your diet. Arguably, red onions are some of the most potent sources of quercetin; one study found that absorption of onion-derived quercetin was 52% compared to only 24% in supplement form. In fact, onions can give you three times the amount of quercetin than you’d get from apples. Other food sources that are high in quercetin include:
- Organically grown apples, grapes and tomatoes
- Dark cherries and dark berries like blueberries, blackberries and bilberries (eaten in moderation)
- Cocoa, unsweetened
- Hot green chili peppers
- Lingonberries
Benefits of Quercetin
Quercetin has been linked to the following health benefits:- Possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties that can help combat certain diseases. One study found that 500 mg of quercetin a day could improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Helping prevent cancer cell growth from breast, colon, prostate, endometrial and lung.
- Counteracting allergic reactions and helping with immune responses.
- Helping to prevent osteoporosis
- Addressing cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Assisting in control of blood pressure. A study in 2002 found that quercetin can have vasodilator effects.
- Potentially helping to lower blood sugar levels. One study found that dosages of 500 mg per day “significantly reduced” fasting glucose levels.
Related: Best Quercetin Supplement 2020
Quercetin and Vitamin C for COVID-19?
There is evidence that vitamin C and quercetin co-administration exerts a synergistic antiviral action due to overlapping antiviral and immuno-modulatory properties and the capacity of ascorbate to recycle quercetin, increasing its efficacy.
For prevention, the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Working Group, FLCCC recommends (updated Feb 25, 2021):
- Vitamin D3: 1000–3000 IU/day. Note RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) is 800–1000 IU/day. The safe upper-dose daily limit is likely < 4000 IU/day. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of acquiring COVID-19 and from dying from the disease. Vitamin D supplementation may therefore prove to be an effective and cheap intervention to lessen the impact of this disease, particularly in vulnerable populations, i.e. the elderly, those of color and obese. (Amazon)
- Vitamin C: 500 - 1,000 mg BID (twice daily)
- Quercetin: 250 mg daily. It is likely that vitamin C and quercetin have synergistic prophylactic benefit. Quercetin should be used with caution in patients with hypothyroidism and TSH levels should be monitored. (Amazon)
- Melatonin: 6 mg before bedtime (causes drowsiness). (Amazon)
- Zinc: 30 - 40 mg/day (elemental zinc). Zinc lozenges are preferred. (Amazon)
- Ivermectin for prophylaxis in high-risk individuals (> 60 years with co-morbidities, morbid obesity, long term care facilities, etc). 0.2 mg/kg Day 1, Day 3 and then followed by biweekly dosing (one dose every two weeks). (also see ClinTrials.gov NCT04425850). NB. Ivermectin has a number of potentially serious drug-drug interactions. Please check for potential drug interaction at Ivermectin Drug Interactions - Drugs.com. The most important drug interactions occur with cyclosporin, tacrolimus, anti-retroviral drugs, and certain anti-fungal drugs.
For early outpatient protocol (COVID-19 positive), the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Working Group, FLCCC recommends (updated Feb 25, 2021):
- Vitamin D3 — 4000 IU/day. (Amazon)
- Vitamin C: 500 - 1,000 mg BID (twice daily) (Amazon)
- Quercetin: 250 mg twice a day. (Amazon)
- Melatonin: 10 mg before bedtime (causes drowsiness). (Amazon)
- Zinc: 100 mg/day. Zinc lozenges are preferred. (Amazon)
- Ivermectin: 0.2 mg/kg per dose. One dose daily - minimum 2 days, maximum 5 days.
- Aspirin: 325 m/day unless contraindicated.
- Pulse Oximeter: FLCCC also recommend monitoring your oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter and to go to the hospital if you get below 94%.
The medical evidence to support each drug and nutrient can be found under “Medical Evidence” on the FLCCC’s website.
Quercetin, Zinc and Vitamin C - Dr Zelenko's Protocol for COVID-19
According to Dr. Zelenko, the best over the counter substitute or natural alternative to hydroxychloroquine is quercetin. Here is his tweet from Sunday, August 16, 2020. Below is the print screen of his tweet.
- Quercetin 500 mg – 3 times a day for 7 days.
- Zinc 50 mg (elemental zinc) – 1 a day for 7 days.
- Z-pack/Zithromax 500 mg or Azythromicin – 1 day for 5 days.
- Vitamin C 1000 mg – 1 a day for 7 days.
- Quercetin 500 mg / once a day.
- Zinc 25 mg (elemental zinc) / once a day.
- Vitamin C 1000 mg / once a day.
What is Zinc?
Zinc is a powerful immune nutrient known for its benefits for providing immune health support and inflammation reduction as well as for improving cold and respiratory symptoms, wound healing, acne reduction, and lowering the risk of age-related diseases. Research on atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus suggests that zinc deficiency may contribute to low-grade systemic inflammation.
Even more popular at the moment is the role of zinc and the potential benefits against COVID-19. This is probably one of the reasons that's driving the demand on zinc related products. In a ConsumerLab survey of 9,647 people who use dietary supplements shows that the supplements which experienced the greatest growth in popularity in 2020 were those being promoted to prevent or treat infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Zinc supplements achieved the highest growth with 13.5% points.
Does zinc help treat COVID 19? In order to answer that question, there are many zinc studies underway and you can review the status of these trials on clinicaltrials.gov. As of March 2021, there are 20 studies that have been launched to investigate the benefits of Zinc against COVID-19.
Are all zinc supplements the same? The zinc supplements in this review are all manufactured by reputable companies that follow Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP), use high quality ingredients, and test for purity and quality.
Here are the best zinc supplements to help you meet your nutritional needs. As everyone has their own set of criteria, the best option for you might be different from another person.
Best Zinc Supplement 2021
1. Zinc Lozenges with Vitamin C - Healthy Immune Support Lozenges with 25mg of Zinc Supplement Per Lozenge + 30mg of Vitamin C - OneDayMD's Best Seller
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON (AVAILABLE) - Amazon's Choice for Zinc Lozenges.
- Nutritionally Supports a Healthy Immune System*
- Formulated with a perfect balance of 25 mg of Zinc, 30 mg of Vitamin C, 2mg of Vitamin B6, and a Proprietary Blend of Royal Jelly, White Willow Bark Ext., and Slippery Elm Bark Powder
- Almost TWICE the amount of zinc per lozenge of cold-EEZE zinc lozenges*
- Fruit Flavored to provide children zinc lozenges without a large amount of added sugars
- Internally tested and third party tested to ensure purity and potency so you get the highest quality vitamin
- Made in the USA in a FDA Registered & Inspected Facility, under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's)
2. NOW Foods Zinc Glycinate Softgels - Best Chelated
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON (Currently UNAVAILABLE)
Price: From $11.49
Amazon Reviews: 4.7 out of 5. More than 500 customer reviews.
Chelated zinc is a type of zinc supplement that uses a chelating agent to help your body absorb zinc more easily.
While there are several chelated zinc supplements on the market, one of the best options is NOW Foods’ Zinc Glycinate softgels.
Each softgel contains 30 mg of zinc glycinate — a form of zinc that human and animal studies suggest may be better absorbed than other types of zinc. (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).
All NOW Foods supplements are certified by Underwriters Laboratories and follow GMP to ensure the quality and accuracy of their products. Additionally, these supplements tend to be more affordable than many other high quality brands.
While there are several chelated zinc supplements on the market, one of the best options is NOW Foods’ Zinc Glycinate softgels.
Each softgel contains 30 mg of zinc glycinate — a form of zinc that human and animal studies suggest may be better absorbed than other types of zinc. (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).
All NOW Foods supplements are certified by Underwriters Laboratories and follow GMP to ensure the quality and accuracy of their products. Additionally, these supplements tend to be more affordable than many other high quality brands.
3. Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Zinc - Best Vegan Option
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON (available)Price: $10.49
Amazon Best Sellers: #2 in zinc mineral supplements
Amazon Reviews: 4.8 out of 5. More than 14,500 customer reviews.
While it’s not always obvious, some supplements can contain animal-derived ingredients, making the product unsuitable for vegans.
Some commonly used ingredients that aren’t vegan-friendly include digestive enzymes like lipase, caprylic acid from milk, gelatin, and magnesium stearate, which is often pork-derived.
Garden of Life is a whole-foods-based supplement brand with products that are certified organic and non-GMO verified.
Their Vitamin Code Raw Zinc is a good option for vegans, as it’s third-party tested to ensure the product is vegan, as well as gluten-free.
In addition to providing 30 mg of plant-based zinc, each serving also contains vitamin C, a raw organic fruit and vegetable blend, and live probiotics and enzymes to support healthy digestion.
It’s recommended that adults take one serving of 2 capsules per day with or without meals. For those who have difficulty swallowing pills, the capsules can also be opened to pour the contents into a glass of water or other beverage.
4. Nature's Bounty Zinc 50 mg Caplets
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON (AVAILABLE)
Price: From $5.21
Amazon Reviews: 4.8 out of 5. More than 50,000 customer reviews on Amazon.com.
About this item:
- This product is the #1 best seller under the zinc mineral supplements on Amazon Best Sellers and has more than 50,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
- One vegetarian-friendly caplet a day contributes to carbohydrate, protein, fat and energy metabolism, and helps promote wellness in key areas of reproductive health for men.*
- Plays a key role in the synthesis of testosterone.*
- *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
- During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, when provided.
5. Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + - Best Zinc Supplement for Seniors
Amazon Reviews: 4.8 out of 5. More than 19,000 customer reviews on Amazon.com.
- Softgels contain Zinc (15 mg per serving daily; 136% of daily value), Vitamin A, C, D3, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Panthotenic Acid, Magnesium, Echinacea, Elderberry, Astralagus.
- THE ONLY VITAMIN C WITH 24-HOUR IMMUNE SUPPORT: Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + contains 1000mg of Ester-C, the only clinically studied Vitamin C with 24-hour immune support. Ester-C lasts up to 2x longer than regular Vitamin C
- PLUS VITAMIN D & ZINC, WITH ELDERBERRY AND ECHINACEA: Immune 24 Hour + provides Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Zinc for extra immune plus antioxidant support. Also contains Elderberry and Echinacea, plus 9 essential nutrients to help keep you healthy
- SUPPORTS UPPER RESPIRATORY HEALTH: Highly bioavailable Ester-C can increase Vitamin C levels in the body, which is important for white blood cell function, contributing to the health of the upper respiratory tract
- NON-GMO FORMULA: Nature's Bounty Immune 24 Hour + is Non-GMO and contains No artificial flavor or artificial sweeteners, no sugar, no starch, no milk, no lactose, no soy, no gluten, no wheat, no yeast, no fish, sodium free
- RAPID RELEASE SOFTGELS: For adults, Take 2 softgels daily, preferably with a meal.
6. NutriGold Zinc Gold - Best Organic
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON (stock currently unavailable)
Price: $18.38
If you’re looking for an organic zinc supplement, NutriGold’s Zinc Gold is one of the best options out there.
Each capsule contains 15 mg of whole-foods-based zinc that’s derived from an organic sprouted blend, which the supplement claims may be gentler on your stomach.
Additionally, NutritGold’s supplements are certified organic by SCS Global Services, an official partner of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that sets sustainability, quality, and organic standards.
Each product is also third-party tested, as well as non-GMO and vegan certified.
Adults should take 1 capsule daily, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Best Quercetin Supplements 2021
7. Now Foods Quercetin with Bromelain (Now Quercetin with Bromelain Amazon)
$30 - $35 > Check Price (available)
A two-pack of top notch bromelain-enhanced quercetin from a giant in the health supplement industry. Reliable quality from a trustworthy brand.
Each capsule contains 400 mg of quercetin and 82.5 mg of bromelain. Do take note that their suggested usage is 2 capsules twice daily. Meaning the total daily dosage of quercetin will be 1,600 mg daily.
Daily value (DV) for quercetin not established.
Now Foods Quercetin supplements contain Bromelain, as some evidence suggests they boost absorption.
For prevention of COVID-19, the FLCCC recommends 250 mg daily for prevention and the Zelenko protocol recommends 500 mg daily for prevention. If you wish to stick to the dosage which is within the range of the FLCCC - Zelenko protocols; that would be 250 mg to 500 mg daily i.e. 1 capsule of Now Foods Quercetin per day.
BestReviews.com: Not suitable for those with pineapple allergies.
Amazon Best Sellers: #1 Best Seller in Bromelain Nutritional Supplements. 4.7 out of 5 overall rating with more than 5,000 customer reviews.
Our Take: If you are looking for best value and are taking it on a long term basis, this would be your choice.
8. Thorne Research Quercenase
Price: $38 > Check Price on Amazon (currently unavailable)
Quercenase is a combination of quercetin phytosome and bromelain. Quercetin phytosome is a new food-grade lecithin-based formulation of quercetin, was developed to overcome the low bioavailability hurdle of quercetin. Phytosome complexes are created by a patented process that binds a botanical extract to a phospholipid (phosphatidylcholine), which are key components of every cell membrane.
Each capsule contains 250 mg of quercetin phytosome and 100 mg of bromelain.
BestReviews.com: Pricier than many similar products on the market
Amazon Best Sellers: #11 Best Seller in Flavonoid Vitamin Supplements. 4.7 out of 5 overall rating with more than 390 customer reviews.
Our Take: If you are looking to buy from a reputable brand, this would be your choice.
9. Pure Encapsulations Quercetin
Check Price (currently unavailable on Amazon)
Our Take: A hypoallergenic, pure quercetin supplement suitable for those with tendency of allergies.
BestReviews.com: Dosage is somewhat low and the pills are relatively expensive.
Amazon Best Sellers: #4 Best Seller in Flavonoid Vitamin Supplements. 4.8 out of 5 overall rating with more than 600 customer reviews.
10. BlueBonnet Super Quercetin
$36 - $40 > Check Price (currently unavailable on Amazon)
A potent blend of antioxidants and natural ingredients to ease allergies and boost immune response. Non-GMO and free of common allergens.
Amazon Best Sellers: #21 Best Seller in Flavonoid Vitamin Supplements. 4.8 out of 5 overall rating with more than 190 customer reviews.
Our Take: If you are looking for a potent antioxidant blend, this would be suitable for you.
11. Natural Factors Bioactive Quercetin
$22 - $25 > Check Price (currently unavailable on Amazon)
Natural Factors Bioactive Quercetin EMIQ claims to have 40 times better absorption than ordinary quercetin. Other quercetin supplements here use bromelain to boost bioavailability, but this supplement uses “EMIQ”, a proprietary formula made from “Enzymatically Modified IsoQuercetin”.
Dosage of quercetin is somewhat low (as compared to other brands) in each capsule. However, Natural Factors claims the quercetin is more bioavailable, which means your body gets a strong dose regardless. Each capsule contains 167 mg of EMIQ and 50 mg of vitamin C. Natural Factors claims their formula will provide year-round protection while supporting a healthy inflammatory response and maintaining good sinus and upper respiratory function.
Amazon Best Sellers: #25 Best Seller in Flavonoid Vitamin Supplements. 4.8 out of 5 overall rating with more than 290 customer reviews.
Amazon Review: "This literally took away all of my excessive histamine responses within a couple of hours. the second day got even better. If you suffer from allergies or inflammation and would like a natural option, please consider this." - Sparklebarbie
Our Take: Best Quercetin for Bioavailability
12. Amazing Formulas - Quercetin 500 Mg
$13 > Check Price (currently unavailable on Amazon)
Amazon Best Sellers: #1 Best Seller in Flavonoid Vitamin Supplements. 4.7 out of 5 overall rating with more than 12,000 customer reviews.
- Quercetin is a flavonoid (plant pigment) naturally found in fruits and vegetables. It is found in many foods, such as red wine, onions, green tea, apples, berries etc. It known for its Anti-oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Amazing Nutrition Quercetin 500 Mg is offered in Veggie Capsule to suit most diet preferences
- Anti-oxidant properties of Qurecetine Supports Healthy Ageing, Cardiovascular Health, and Immune Health. It helps to reduce the damage and irritation caused by free radicals
- Anti-Inflammatory properties of Quercetin helps to lower the release of histamines, a compound that is released by cells in response to allergic and inflammatory reactions. Subsequently helping to lower pains and discomfort related to Inflammation.
- All Amazing Nutrition products are manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), among the highest standards in the world.
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