The Impact of Quercetin on Health and Athletic Performance

Quercetin, one of the six subclasses of the flavonoid group, is among the flavanols and has many positive effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and neuroprotective effects. Quercetin exerts its antioxidant effects through the Nrf2-ARE pathway. Although its use is not common in athletes, it is thought that it can reduce oxidative damage due to its health effects and antioxidant properties. This review aims to further understand the effects of quercetin as a nutritional supplement and highlight its importance in athletes. As a result, it also can prevent oxidative stress damage, as proposed in the Hormesis theory. Although the results of studies on its effects on athletes are contradictory, it is stated that it has positive effects on endurance performance and anti-inflammatory parameters.