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Scientific Studies

The results of several independent scientific studies have given us a better understanding of the potential benefits of quercetin and FRS. We've provided the links below for your education to help you make informed decisions about your performance and health.

The Dietary Flavonoid Quercetin Increases VO2max and Endurance Capacity
International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. Davis, Carlstedt, Chen, Carmichael, and Murphy, University of South Carolina

An independent, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study showed that when 12 healthy, active (but not highly trained) men and women consumed 500 mg of quercetin (QU995™) in an enriched drink mix twice daily for 7 days, they experienced a 13.2 percent increase in ride time to fatigue (based on bicycle endurance capacity) and a 3.9 percent increase in VO2max (maximum oxygen consumption).

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Dietary Antioxidant Supplementation Combined with Quercetin Improves Cycling Time Trial Performance
International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2006, 16, 405-419. MacRae and Mefferd, Pepperdine University

An independent, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study on the effects of FRS on performance in eleven elite cyclists showed a 3.1% improvement in time to complete a simulated 30km mountainous time trial when subjects consumed FRS for a 3-week period.

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Quercetin Increases Brain and Muscle Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Exercise Tolerance in an Animal Study
Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol.2009. Davis et al., University of South Carolina

A scientific study on mice examined the effects of 7 days of quercetin supplementation on markers of mitochondrial biogenesis. Results indicate that quercetin supplementation enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis - the production of cellular mitochondria - in the muscle and brain of mice. This increase in mitochondria was associated with an increase in both maximal endurance running capacity (VO2max) and active involvement in physical activity with the mice being more willing to exercise.

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The Effects of an Antioxidant Nutrition Drink on Work Performance and Health Parameters in an Industrial Setting
Durak and Bell, May 2005, Medical Health and Fitness, Santa Barbara, CA

During a six-week study, university employees were asked to perform their daily jobs, which required physical exertion, lifting, repetitive movements and attention to detail. At the end of the study, investigators found that when the workers took FRS they experienced:

Work Performance Results Click to view abstract

The ORAC test measures the antioxidant power of foods. The higher the ORAC score, the better a food or beverage destroys free radicals. ORAC testing was conducted by Brunswick Laboratories on FRS and other popular antioxidant or energy drinks. The chart below shows the results:

ORAC Chart
Quercetin's Influence on Exercise Performance and Muscle Mitochondrial Biogenesis
Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009 Nov 13. [Epub ahead of print]. Nieman DC, Williams AS, et al. Departments of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science Biology; Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.

A randomized, crossover clinical study examined the effects of 14-days of supplementation with quercetin (1000 mg per day) on 26 untrained adult males. Results showed a statistically significant increase in quercetin blood plasma levels, and a 2.9% improvement in treadmill time trial performance and a non-significant directional increase of 4.1% in muscle mitochondria DNA compared to the control.

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