Quercetin is a naturally occurring compound found widely in various plants, recognized for its beneficial properties. Interest in this compound stems from its classification as a flavonoid, a type of plant pigment known for its antioxidant effects.
What is Quercetin?
Quercetin is a pigment abundant in many common foods, contributing to the color of fruits and vegetables. The average person is estimated to consume between 10 to 100 mg of quercetin daily through their diet.
This compound functions as a potent antioxidant, meaning it can bind to and neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage when present in high levels, and this damage has been linked to various chronic health conditions.
Quercetin and Maternal Health
Quercetin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects have led to theoretical interest in its potential relevance during pregnancy. Oxidative stress and inflammation are processes that can occur during pregnancy, and compounds that help manage these could be areas of exploration.
Research in animal models explores whether quercetin supplementation might play a role in reducing the risk of certain maternal cardio-metabolic disorders, such as gestational diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and preeclampsia. Some animal studies have also suggested that quercetin could attenuate malnutrition-related conditions and gestational obesity in dams and their offspring.
Evaluating Quercetin Safety During Pregnancy
The current state of research regarding quercetin’s safety during pregnancy, particularly from supplements, is limited. Human studies specifically on pregnant women are extremely scarce, and there is no conclusive evidence to establish its safety in this population.
While some animal studies have indicated that quercetin supplementation did not cause adverse effects on the reproductive system or fetal development in pregnant animals at certain doses, these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to humans.
Animal studies have shown that quercetin can cross the placenta and accumulate in the fetus, with some long-term changes observed in offspring, such as altered iron storage and inflammation-related gene activity. Given the lack of extensive human data, a cautious approach is generally recommended during pregnancy. Healthcare providers, including obstetricians or registered dietitians, strongly advise against self-medication with quercetin supplements. Consulting a healthcare provider before considering any supplement during pregnancy is important due to potential interactions with other medications, individual health conditions, and concerns regarding appropriate dosages.
Dietary Sources and Supplement Considerations
Obtaining quercetin from whole foods is considered safe and distinct from taking supplements, especially during pregnancy. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables naturally provides quercetin and is recommended for pregnant women. Common food sources include red and yellow onions, apples (especially with the skin), capers, berries, kale, and broccoli.
Concerns with quercetin supplements during pregnancy include unregulated dosages and higher concentrations compared to what is found in food. While the average person consumes 10-100 mg of quercetin daily from food, supplements can contain doses ranging from 200 to 1000 mg per day. There is also the potential for contaminants in unregulated supplements. Dietary intake from food is generally preferred and considered safer than supplementation during pregnancy due to the limited safety data for high-dose supplements.