Quercetin for Allergies: Benefits, Side Effects & More

Quercetin is the natural coloring found in apple and onion skin, tea and wine. Unlike other allergy relief medications or supplements, it works by stabilizing mast cells, instead of blocking histamine. It will stay in the bloodstream, providing longer relief from symptoms. While it helps people deal with allergies, some people are actually allergic to the supplement itself.

About

• Quercetin is an antioxidant which has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. It binds itself to calcium/calmodulin complexes, which prevent histamine from being released.

Sensitivity

• Some people have allergic reactions to flavonoids such as quercetin because it contains rutin. Avoid rutin supplements if you experience sensitivity to this chemical.

Potential

• According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, rutin allergy is rare. If you've been diagnosed with this allergy, he suggests you get a second opinion.

Considerations

• People who are determined to be allergic to quercetin and rutin may be prone to being allergic to other substances, such as grape sugar.

Interactions

• When taking quercetin, avoid any medication that warns against eating apples, orange juice, onions, grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, white, black and green teas.

Effects

• Because quercetin is an anti-oxidant, taking too much can cause a pro-oxidant effect. While it's meant to reduce inflammation, it can actually instead promote inflammation if you take too high of a dose.