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Activated Quercetin

Source Naturals
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(291 ratings)
Vitamin C 646 mg
Bromelain 300 mg
Product Image
Score79
A strong quercetin combination with buffered vitamin C and a meaningful bromelain weight. Missing enzyme activity and basic quercetin delivery keep it just below a top-tier formula.
How scoring works
Quantity:200 Tablet(s) • (66 servings)
Goals:
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Immunity
Skin Health
General Health
Vision Support

Score 79

A strong quercetin combination with buffered vitamin C and a meaningful bromelain weight. Missing enzyme activity and basic quercetin delivery keep it just below a top-tier formula.
How scoring works
$53.89($0.81 per serving)
iHerb
$ 53.89
Vitacost
$ 53.89
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Analysis

Quercetin supplies the main flavonoid dose, supported by buffered vitamin C from magnesium ascorbate. Bromelain adds a complementary enzyme component without crowding the formula with unrelated ingredients.

The weights of all three main actives are clearly disclosed and substantial. Bromelain activity units are absent, so enzyme strength cannot be inferred reliably, and quercetin has no stated enhanced-absorption technology.

The larger tablet supply fits repeat users who want ongoing antioxidant and inflammatory-balance support. People who use blood-thinning medicines or struggle with larger multi-tablet servings should consider a simpler alternative.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking high-potency quercetin with buffered vitamin C
  • Repeat users who want a larger supply
Best for
  • Antioxidant and inflammatory-balance support
  • Longer-term use with a buffered vitamin C form

Pros

  • Substantial quercetin amount
  • Buffered magnesium ascorbate form
  • Meaningful bromelain weight
  • Transparent active quantities
  • Larger supply

Cons

  • Bromelain activity units are not stated
  • Quercetin lacks enhanced delivery
  • Requires three tablets per serving
  • No broader nutrient coverage

Warnings

  • Bromelain and quercetin may increase bruising or bleeding with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines.
  • Follow the surgical team’s instructions about stopping bromelain before a procedure.
  • The vitamin C amount may still cause digestive upset or be unsuitable for people prone to calcium-oxalate kidney stones.

Nutrient quality

87 Highest impact

Buffered vitamin C and substantial active weights support strong nutrient quality. Missing bromelain activity units remain the main potency limitation.

Ingredient transparency

84 Highest impact

Every active weight is disclosed without a hidden blend. Bromelain source, enzyme activity, meal timing, and inactive ingredients remain incomplete.

Customer satisfaction

70 High impact

The aggregate rating is strong and supported by substantial feedback volume. Detailed comments are not supplied, so recurring experiences cannot be assessed.

Value for money

70 High impact

Meaningful core doses partly justify the premium serving cost. The focused formula offers reasonable rather than leading category value.

Report analysis

Goals

Anti-Inflammatory Support
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportA- CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 646 mg

Quercetin, bromelain, and buffered vitamin C create a complementary formula for inflammatory signaling, acute swelling, and antioxidant protection. All three main actives are supplied at substantial amounts.

The combination covers more distinct pathways than any ingredient alone. Bromelain activity units and empty-stomach directions are missing, which limits confidence in its systemic enzyme contribution.

Study evidence
Bromelain Supportive 12 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 50 studies
Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportB+ CoverageA Formula Quality
Magnesium · 50 mgVitamin C · 646 mg

A substantial quercetin amount is paired with buffered vitamin C and bromelain for complementary antioxidant and immune support. The main active amounts are large enough to make the combination meaningful.

Evidence is clearest for vitamin C, while immune outcomes for quercetin and bromelain are less consistent. Bromelain activity units are not disclosed, which limits confidence in enzyme potency.

Study evidence
Bromelain Not classified 1 study
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitA- Strength of SupportB- CoverageB- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 646 mg

Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis, while quercetin adds a substantial antioxidant contribution. Bromelain may support inflammatory balance but has less direct evidence for skin appearance or hydration.

All three actives are individually disclosed at meaningful amounts, and magnesium ascorbate provides a buffered vitamin C form. Bromelain may add to bleeding risk for people using anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
General Health
General Health
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitB Strength of SupportC+ CoverageA- Formula Quality
Magnesium · 50 mgVitamin C · 646 mg

Quercetin, buffered vitamin C, and bromelain form a focused antioxidant and enzyme-support combination. Vitamin C and quercetin are present at substantial amounts, giving the formula useful depth.

Bromelain activity units and source details are not disclosed, so its functional potency cannot be judged from weight alone. The formula supports a narrower antioxidant pathway rather than broad foundational nutrition.

Study evidence
Bromelain Supportive 11 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Vision Support
Vision Support
Impact
High effect
D+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 646 mg

Vitamin C supplies meaningful antioxidant support for ocular tissues, while quercetin and bromelain add broader antioxidant and inflammatory-pathway activity. The formula still lacks lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, vitamin E, and retinal lipids that would make it a comprehensive vision option.

All active amounts are disclosed, and magnesium ascorbate offers a buffered vitamin C form. Bromelain may increase bleeding risk with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines, especially around surgery.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies
Digestive Health
Digestive Health
Impact
Moderate effect
B- Goal FitC- Strength of SupportD+ CoverageC Formula Quality
Bromelain · 300 mgMagnesium · 50 mg

Bromelain may assist protein digestion when taken with meals and can be relevant to post-meal fullness or bloating. Quercetin and vitamin C add antioxidant support but do not broaden core digestive function substantially.

The bromelain weight is clear, yet missing enzyme activity units make functional potency impossible to verify. A standard tablet and no meal-timing guidance further weaken its role as a targeted digestive enzyme.

Study evidence
Bromelain Supportive 2 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Calories
5 Calorie(s)
Total Carbohydrates
1 Gram(s)
Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbate)
 646 mg
Magnesium (Magnesium Ascorbate)
 50 mg
Quercetin
1 Gram(s)
Bromelain
300 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free Sugar Free Vegetarian
Report overview
Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbate) · 646 mg OverallScore73
B+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

Magnesium ascorbate provides buffered vitamin C with a well-targeted dose and clear elemental mineral disclosure. The tablet includes a modest carbohydrate load and costs much more per gram than a focused vitamin C supplement. Bromelain can increase bleeding risk, so the formula deserves caution with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines.

View ingredientView products
Bromelain · 300 mg OverallScore43
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityD- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

The blend supplies 300 mg bromelain with a high amount of quercetin and vitamin C. Missing activity units, botanical details, and timing directions make enzyme quality difficult to judge. Quercetin improves the combined value, but the standard tablet does not provide delayed release for systemic use.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
82 Performance

Liposomal Vitamin C 1000 mg

SunLipid
<p>Buffered sodium ascorbate is paired with a disclosed phospholipid complex and medium-chain triglycerides for purposeful liposomal delivery. That improves vitamin C formulation detail, though the product omits quercetin and bromelain and adds sodium.</p>
86 Performance

Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg

NOW
<p>A 500 mg bromelain serving with stated 2,400 GDU-per-gram activity is easier to judge and more potent by weight than the original enzyme component. It offers focused digestive and anti-inflammatory support but removes quercetin and vitamin C.</p>
83 Performance

High Potency Bromelain 3000 GDU 500 mg

Doctor's Best
<p>The 500 mg serving has clearly stated high enzyme activity, addressing the original formula's missing bromelain activity units. It is a focused enzyme option rather than a complete replacement because it contains no quercetin or vitamin C.</p>
85 Budget

C-500 With Rose Hips

NOW
<p>A practical 500 mg ascorbic acid serving gives focused vitamin C support at a much lower ongoing cost. Rose hips add a small complementary plant ingredient, but the formula omits quercetin and bromelain and remains unbuffered.</p>
81 Budget

Bromelain 500 mg

AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
<p>The 500 mg pineapple-derived bromelain amount is higher than the original bromelain weight while costing much less per serving. Activity units are still missing, and the focused formula does not provide quercetin or vitamin C.</p>
85 Budget

Gold C Vitamin C 1000 mg

California Gold Nutrition
<p>A simple 1,000 mg ascorbic acid serving maintains substantial vitamin C support at a much lower ongoing cost. It is unbuffered and omits both quercetin and bromelain, so the savings come with a narrower formula.</p>
89 Value

Pure Buffered Calcium Ascorbate

NOW
<p>Buffered calcium ascorbate supplies 890 mg vitamin C with clear mineral disclosure and very efficient serving value. It is a comfortable, economical vitamin C choice, but it does not cover the original quercetin or bromelain roles.</p>
82 Value

Bromelain 500 mg (1000 GDU)

Jarrow Formulas
<p>A substantial 500 mg bromelain serving includes enzyme activity units and remains cost-effective. The disclosure is more useful than the original unspecified activity, though pineapple source, timing, quercetin, and vitamin C are absent.</p>
84 Value

Ester-C 500 mg With Citrus Bioflavoinds

American Health
<p>Buffered calcium ascorbate provides substantial vitamin C with a large citrus bioflavonoid complex and strong serving value. It may suit users prioritizing vitamin C comfort and breadth, but it leaves out quercetin and bromelain.</p>
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Therapeutic efficacy of bromelain in impacted third molar surgery: a randomized controlled clinical study.
    Ordesi P; Pisoni L; Nannei P; Macchi M; Borloni R; Siervo S · Quintessence international (Berlin, Germany : 1985) · 2016
    Randomized trial80 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forBromelain
  2. Efficacy of proteolytic enzyme bromelain on health outcomes after third molar surgery. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
    Mendes ML; do Nascimento-Júnior EM; Reinheimer DM; Martins-Filho PR · Medicina oral, patologia oral y cirugia bucal · 2019
    Meta-analysis6 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support General Health forBromelain
  3. Placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial on the immunomodulating activities of low- and high-dose bromelain after oral administration - new evidence on the antiinflammatory mode of action of bromelain.
    Müller S; März R; Schmolz M; Drewelow B; Eschmann K; Meiser P · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2013
    Randomized trial12 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support General Health Immunity forBromelain
  4. An Evaluation of the Effects of Pineapple-Extract and Bromelain-Based Treatment after Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized Three-Arm Clinical Study.
    Colletti A; Procchio C; Pisano M; Martelli A; Pellizzato M; Cravotto G · Nutrients · 2024
    Randomized trial42 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forBromelain
  5. Therapeutic uses of pineapple-extracted bromelain in surgical care - A review.
    Muhammad ZA; Ahmad T · JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association · 2019
    Narrative reviewAnti-Inflammatory Support forBromelain
  6. Efficacy of Vitamin C as Glucocorticoid Substitute for Reducing Pain and Inflammation After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Jiang W; Xu H; Jiang X; Zhan Y; Ju Y; Xie J; Huang Z; Huang Q; Pei F · The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume · 2025
    Randomized trial107 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  7. The Impact of Vitamin C on Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, and Hemostatic Outcomes After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Moftakhari Hajimirzaei S; Bagherzadeh Cham M; Dolikhani M; Tabatabaee SM; Ebrahimpour A · The archives of bone and joint surgery · 2026
    Meta-analysis1,162 participants10 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  8. The impact of vitamin C supplementation on the perioperative outcomes after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Liu X; Guo J; Li Y; Yang Y; Liu M; Gao Q; Yang Y; Wu X; Yue C · BMC musculoskeletal disorders · 2026
    Meta-analysis852 participants8 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  9. Therapeutic Impact of Ascorbic Acid on Oral and Periodontal Tissues: A Systematic Literature Review.
    Ruzijevaite G; Acaite E; Jagelaviciene E · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2025
    Systematic review811 participants17 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  10. Oral vitamin C administration reduces early recurrence rates after electrical cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation and attenuates associated inflammation.
    Korantzopoulos P; Kolettis TM; Kountouris E; Dimitroula V; Karanikis P; Pappa E; Siogas K; Goudevenos JA · International journal of cardiology · 2005
    Randomized trial44 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  11. The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders.
    Roxas M · Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic · 2009
    Narrative reviewDigestive Health forBromelain
  12. Effects of bromelain supplementation on disease activity and quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study.
    Delgarm P; Mokhtare M; Ebrahimi Daryani N; Abolghasemi J; Rahideh ST · Scientific reports · 2025
    Randomized trial70 participantsDigestive Health forBromelain
  13. Perioperative bromelain reduces pain and swelling and improves quality of life measures after mandibular third molar surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
    Majid OW; Al-Mashhadani BA · Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons · 2014
    Randomized trial45 participantsGeneral Health forBromelain
  14. Bromelain-based enzymatic burn debridement: A systematic review of clinical studies on patient safety, efficacy and long-term outcomes.
    Shoham Y; Gasteratos K; Singer AJ; Krieger Y; Silberstein E; Goverman J · International wound journal · 2023
    Systematic review34 studies pooledGeneral Health forBromelain
  15. Bromelain reduces mild acute knee pain and improves well-being in a dose-dependent fashion in an open study of otherwise healthy adults.
    Walker AF; Bundy R; Hicks SM; Middleton RW · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · 2003
    Randomized trial77 participantsGeneral Health forBromelain
  16. Dietary intake and blood concentrations of antioxidants and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.
    Aune D; Keum N; Giovannucci E; Fadnes LT; Boffetta P; Greenwood DC; Tonstad S; Vatten LJ; Riboli E; Norat T · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2019
    Meta-analysis69 studies pooledGeneral Health forVitamin C
  17. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to vitamin C and increasing non haem iron absorption pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusGeneral Health forVitamin C
  18. Vitamin C Depletion and All-Cause Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients.
    Sotomayor CG; Eisenga MF; Gomes Neto AW; Ozyilmaz A; Gans ROB; Jong WHA; Zelle DM; Berger SP; Gaillard CAJM; Navis GJ; Bakker SJ · Nutrients · 2018
    Cohort study598 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  19. Associations of Serum Biomarkers of Fruit and Vegetable Intake With the Risk of Cause-Specific Mortality and All-Cause Mortality: A National Prospective Cohort Study.
    Pu L; Zhang R; Wang X; Zhao T; Sun H; Han L · Frontiers in nutrition · 2022
    Cohort study12,530 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  20. Relation between plasma ascorbic acid and mortality in men and women in EPIC-Norfolk prospective study: a prospective population study. European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.
    Khaw KT; Bingham S; Welch A; Luben R; Wareham N; Oakes S; Day N · Lancet (London, England) · 2001
    Cohort study19,496 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  21. Vitamin C and contribution to the normal function of the immune system: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusImmunity forVitamin C
  22. Therapeutic effects of high-dose vitamin C supplementation in patients with COVID-19: a meta-analysis.
    Sun L; Zhao JH; Fan WY; Feng B; Liu WW; Chen RQ; Ban C; Dang AG; Wang M; Luo KT; Zhou GY; Yu FF; Ba Y · Nutrition reviews · 2024
    Meta-analysis2,334 participants14 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  23. Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Abioye AI; Bromage S; Fawzi W · BMJ global health · 2021
    Meta-analysisImmunity forVitamin C
  24. New evidence for antioxidant properties of vitamin C.
    Vojdani A; Bazargan M; Vojdani E; Wright J · Cancer detection and prevention · 2001
    Randomized trial20 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  25. Enhanced Vitamin C Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Alternative Supplement Forms in Healthy Adults.
    Calder PC; Kreider RB; McKay DL · Nutrients · 2025
    Systematic review13 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  26. Evaluation of the anti-wrinkle effect of an ascorbic acid-loaded dissolving microneedle patch via a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.
    Lee C; Yang H; Kim S; Kim M; Kang H; Kim N; An S; Koh J; Jung H · International journal of cosmetic science · 2017
    Randomized trial23 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  27. Comparative Study on the Outcome of Periorbital Wrinkles Treated with Laser-Assisted Delivery of Vitamin C or Vitamin C Plus Growth Factors: A Randomized, Double-blind, Clinical Trial.
    Machado BHB; Frame J; Zhang J; Najlah M · Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2021
    Randomized trial149 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  28. Randomized trial of topical ascorbic acid in DMSO versus imiquimod for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.
    Burke B; Bailie JE · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie · 2022
    Randomized trial25 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  29. Vitamin C improves healing of foot ulcers: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Gunton JE; Girgis CM; Lau T; Vicaretti M; Begg L; Flood V · The British journal of nutrition · 2022
    Randomized trial16 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  30. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women.
    Cosgrove MC; Franco OH; Granger SP; Murray PG; Mayes AE · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2007
    Cross-sectional study4,025 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  31. Role of Oral Vitamin 'C' on Astigmatic Errors in Phacoemulsification.
    Mohan S; Sah K; Khattri M; Ahmad L; Sachan SK · Current eye research · 2021
    Randomized trial400 participantsVision Support forVitamin C
  32. Ascorbic acid metabolites are involved in intraocular pressure control in the general population.
    Hysi PG; Khawaja AP; Menni C; Tamraz B; Wareham N; Khaw KT; Foster PJ; Benet LZ; Spector TD; Hammond CJ · Redox biology · 2019
    Observational studyVision Support forVitamin C
  33. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  34. Dietary n-3 Fatty Acid, α-Tocopherol, Zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, and β-carotene are Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Japan.
    Aoki A; Inoue M; Nguyen E; Obata R; Kadonosono K; Shinkai S; Hashimoto H; Sasaki S; Yanagi Y · Scientific reports · 2017
    Case-control study530 participantsVision Support forVitamin C
  35. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet, lifestyle and age-related macular degeneration: the Coimbra Eye Study - report 3.
    Raimundo M; Mira F; Cachulo MDL; Barreto P; Ribeiro L; Farinha C; Laíns I; Nunes S; Alves D; Figueira J; Merle BM; Delcourt C; Santos L; Silva R · Acta ophthalmologica · 2019
    Case-control study883 participantsVision Support forVitamin C