Objective: To investigate the effects of 6 weeks of quercetin supplementation on physical performance during military physical training.
Methods: Using a randomized, double-blind, repeated-measures, placebo-controlled design, 58 healthy, moderately trained men and women were randomly assigned to quercetin (Q) or placebo (P) groups. Peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)) during maximal effort uphill treadmill running and four physical performance measures (Army Physical Fitness Test, [APFT], Baumgartner Modified Pull-Up Test [BMPU], Wingate Anaerobic Test [WanT], and a 36.6-m sprint) were evaluated before and after 42-54 days of supplementation with 1 g/d of quercetin with vitamins and other substances in a soft chew or placebo chew.
Results: Pretreatment-to-posttreatment changes in VO(2peak) and physical performance were not significantly different (p > 0.05) in Q and P.
Conclusions: Six weeks of dietary quercetin supplementation in moderately trained individuals conducting military physical training did not improve VO(2peak) or performance on the APFT, BMPU, WAnT, and 36.6-m sprint.