What is the Difference Between Quercetin and Quercetin Dihydrate?

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Quercetin and quercetin dihydrate are both flavonoids with antioxidant properties, but they differ in their sources and chemical structures. The main differences between quercetin and quercetin dihydrate are:

  1. Source: Quercetin is a plant flavonoid found in fruits, vegetables, leaves, seeds, and grains, such as capers, radish leaves, red onion, and kale. Quercetin dihydrate, on the other hand, is a synthetic chemical compound.
  2. Chemical Structure: Quercetin dihydrate is a modified form of quercetin, where two additional atoms of hydrogen are added per molecule. This modification makes dihydroquercetin a more powerful antioxidant compared to quercetin.
  3. Solubility: Quercetin dihydrate is practically insoluble in water. In contrast, quercetin is soluble in alcohol, which contributes to the health-promoting effects of red wine.
  4. Bioavailability: Quercetin dihydrate has a low bioavailability due to its poor solubility in water. However, when quercetin is transformed into a water-soluble form, its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and bioavailability are significantly improved.

Both quercetin and quercetin dihydrate are used in quercetin supplements, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and allergy symptom-relieving properties.

Comparative Table: Quercetin vs Quercetin Dihydrate

Here is a table comparing the differences between quercetin and quercetin dihydrate:

Property Quercetin Quercetin Dihydrate
Definition Quercetin is a plant flavonoid found in many fruits, vegetables, leaves, seeds, and grains. Quercetin dihydrate is a synthetic chemical compound with the chemical formula C15H14O9, commonly found in quercetin supplements.
Bioavailability Quercetin has a lower bioavailability compared to quercetin dihydrate due to poor solubility in water. Quercetin dihydrate has a higher bioavailability, which means it is better absorbed by the body.
Absorption Quercetin is less absorbed in the body compared to quercetin dihydrate. Quercetin dihydrate is more absorbed in the body compared to quercetin.
Sources Food sources include capers, radish leaves, red onion, and kale. Synthetic chemical compound, commonly found in quercetin supplements.
Forms Quercetin can be found in various forms such as powder, liquid, chewable, etc. Quercetin dihydrate is often included in quercetin supplements due to its higher bioavailability.

Both quercetin and quercetin dihydrate are organic compounds and flavonoids, and they are ingredients in quercetin supplements. However, quercetin dihydrate has a higher bioavailability and better absorption, which makes it more effective when taken as a supplement.