What Is the Synergy Of Quercetin, Zinc and Vitamin C

Let's take a look at how quercetin, zinc and vitamin C work together. Although quercetin may have some direct effects on preventing viral infections, its main role is to act as an ionophore, helping to transport unbound free zinc to cells.

Free zinc ions can control the replication of many viruses. When many viruses infect cells, they insert a genetic code and an enzyme called replicase to replicate the virus. Zinc can block the replicase, thereby preventing the virus from replicating or spreading. This is one of the reasons why zinc is often recommended to relieve colds.

However, for zinc to have this effect on viral replicase, an open "ionophore" (a special cell membrane channel that allows ions to enter the cell) is required. Quercetin can act as a zinc ionophore and increase the level of zinc ions in cells, thereby preventing virus replication. This effect of quercetin may be the reason for the reduction in respiratory infections found in the above-mentioned studies.

Another nutrient partner of quercetin is vitamin C. When vitamin C and quercetin were combined in a test-tube study, the synergistic effect resulted in better immune enhancement and anti-virus effects than when used alone.

Vitamin C can also regenerate active quercetin in the body. Anti-oxidant substances become inactive when they play the role of neutralizing free radicals. When this happens with quercetin, vitamin C can make it repair active. Therefore, it is very important to get enough vitamin C (through diet and supplements).

In addition to regular consumption of vitamin C-rich foods (fruits such as berries, citrus and mangoes; green leafy vegetables; broccoli; sweet peppers, etc.), it is also recommended to supplement with additional vitamin C (at least 60 mg per day, but at least for extra benefits 250 mg).