Effects of quercetin supplementation on endurance performance and maximal oxygen consumption: a meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#antioxidants #athletic-performance #dietary-supplements #exercise #humans

Effects of quercetin supplementation on endurance performance and maximal oxygen consumption: a meta-analysis

Pelletier et al., 2013 | Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab | Meta Analysis

Citation

Pelletier Denis M, Lacerte Guillaume, Goulet Eric D B. Effects of quercetin supplementation on endurance performance and maximal oxygen consumption: a meta-analysis. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2013-Feb;23(1):73-82

Abstract

Lately, the effect of quercetin supplementation (QS) on endurance performance (EP) and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) has been receiving much scientific and media attention. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed to determine QS's ergogenic value on these variables. Studies were located with database searches (PubMed and SPORTDiscus) and cross-referencing. Outcomes represent mean percentage changes in EP (measured via power output) and VO2max between QS and placebo. Random-effects model meta-regression, mixed-effects model analog to the ANOVA, random-effects weighted mean effect summary, and magnitude-based inferences analyses were used to delineate the effects of QS. Seven research articles (representing 288 subjects) were included, producing 4 VO2max and 10 EP effect estimates. Mean QS daily intake and duration were, respectively, 960 ± 127 mg and 26 ± 24 d for the EP outcome and 1,000 ± 0 mg and 8 ± 23 d for the VO2max outcome. EP was assessed during exercise with a mean duration of 79 ± 82 min. Overall, QS improved EP by 0.74% (95% CI: 0.10-1.39, p = .02) compared with placebo. However, only in untrained individuals (0.83% ± 0.78%, p = .02) did QS significantly improve EP (trained individuals: 0.09% ± 2.15%, p = .92). There was no relationship between QS duration and EP (p = .69). Overall, QS increased VO2max by 1.94% (95% CI: 0.30-3.59, p = .02). Magnitude-based inferences suggest that the effect of QS on EP and VO2max is likely to be trivial for both trained and untrained individuals. In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that QS is unlikely to prove ergogenic for aerobic-oriented exercises in trained and untrained individuals.

Key Findings

In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that QS is unlikely to prove ergogenic for aerobic-oriented exercises in trained and untrained individuals.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 288
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Athletic Performance
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Exercise
  • Humans
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Physical Endurance
  • Quercetin
  • Sports

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: quercetin

Provenance

  • PMID: 22805526
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09