Unique Quail Egg Benefits for the Immune System

If you’re looking for out-of-the-box strategies to boost your defenses this winter, look no further: quail eggs may be your solution.*

The 14 calories in these small yet mighty eggs are packed full of immune-boosting nutrients such as B12, selenium, choline, and more.* Quail eggs offer eight times the good fats and protein of chicken eggs, double the amount of riboflavin (B2) and iron, and considerably more vitamin B12.

Studies already show some impressive and promising uses for these lesser-known eggs, and ongoing research continues to reveal more reasons to make quail eggs part of your regular diet. If snacking isn’t your style, you might consider a quail egg extract.

This article takes a closer look at the benefits of consuming quail eggs or using quail egg extract for the immune system.*

Quail Eggs are Packed with Free-Radical Fighters*

These properties protect the body against oxidation, which can produce excessive free-radical damage. Quail eggs are packed full of compounds that could reduce cellular damage caused by free-radicals and boost overall immune health.*[1]

When compared to chicken eggs, quail eggs unequivocally exceed the antibody and nutrient content, with free-radical fighting properties and antibodies that are truly unique.

Quail Eggs and Seasonal Immune Health*

Egg protein in quail eggs can be quite effective for supporting healthy respiratory function.* The Ancient Chinese first used these eggs for their superior nutrient profile, which supports the immune response to better regulate histamines and reduce the incidence of watery eyes and itchy noses spurred on by airborne irritants.*

Quail egg protein contains ovomucoids, which can help to maintain a healthy immune response by blocking potential invaders before they can activate immune cells.* Many foreign bodies contain protease enzymes that can irritate sinus tissues when inhaled.

Quail eggs might just be the perfect kid-friendly option that provides a long list of health-promoting vitamins and minerals.

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Further Immune-Supporting Benefits

Quail eggs have beneficial immunity supporting and inflammation-regulating properties. For example, they impact mast cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in immune response and function.

When mast cells degranulate, they release histamines, and certain active components of quail eggs seem to effectively modulate responses that accommodate natural killer cells and mast cell degranulation, limiting histamine release.*

Specific studies have examined the use of quail eggs in the regulation of eosinophils and problems related to their overproduction and accumulation.*[2]

Symptoms related to eosinophils accumulation and seasonal discomforts like a runny nose and respiratory problems are becoming increasingly common, perhaps due to growing exposure to environmental contaminants.

Conclusion

Quail eggs and their extracts are emerging as a more nutrient-dense egg than that of the common chicken—not to mention their many benefits as both a food and nutritional supplement. They are rich in free-radical fighters and may help support immune functions related to eosinophils, ovomucoids, and protease enzymes.*

If you’re allergic to chicken eggs, proceed with caution and test your tolerance to quail eggs with your healthcare provider.

By Dr. Matt Hand, Pediatric Nephrologist

[1] Oladipo GO, Nlekerem CM, Ibukun EO, Kolawole AO. Quail (Coturnix japonica) egg yolk bioactive components attenuate streptozotocin-induced testicular damage and oxidative stress in diabetic rats. Eur J Nutr. 2018 Dec;57(8):2857-2867. doi: 10.1007/s00394-017-1554-4. Epub 2017 Oct 19. PMID: 29052001.

[2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-19309-x