Quercetin, as you may know, is a bioactive plant compound found in many healthy foods (apples, onions, and tea, to name a few), but if you’re planning on supplementing with the potent immunomodulator to receive a more concentrated dose, there’s something you should know: Form does matter. Specifically, a form called “quercetin phytosome” reigns supreme.* As for the “phytosome” bit, the term simply translates to phyto (meaning “plant”) and liposome (meaning “tiny lipid or fat particles” used as an effective method of nutraceutical and nutrient delivery1; they’re typically derived from lecithin phospholipids sourced from common fats like sunflower oil). “[The] liposome is a bioavailability technology or tool to help chauffeur, if you will, an active (in this case, quercetin) into the body via the gut and into your cells to be used,” mbg director of scientific affairs Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN, explains on the mindbodygreen podcast. Whereas quercetin phytosome is able to penetrate the cell membrane bilayer by strategically featuring hydrophilic (or water-loving) heads and hydrophobic (or water-resisting) tails—that way, the liposome-insulated bioactive (quercetin, in this case) can effectively shimmy its way inside. “Those heads are on the outside, and the tails are on the inside,” Ferira continues. “[The cell] enrobes the quercetin molecule, ushering it into the gut for ease of absorption. And that is how [you] ensure that you’re getting this potent powerhouse antioxidant.” “Not to mention, quercetin acts as a zinc shuttle, getting zinc into cells,” says Vincent Pedre, M.D., board-certified internist. Zinc is involved in the development and protection of immune cells in the innate and adaptive immune systems.* Meaning, not only can it support a balanced immune response itself—but quercetin can also help usher in other nutrients critical for immune function.*
