Category

Synonyms

Amaranthaceae (family), bitter quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa Willd., quinoa flour, quinoa seed, quinua, quinua flour, quinua seed, sweet quinoa.

Background

Quinoa has been cultivated in the Andes Incas for thousands of years. It has recently gained prominence around the world as a "super food" due to its high protein content. Although quinoa is high in protein content, it alone does not have enough protein to replace meat in the Western European diet, due to current cultivation, technological, and processing restrictions. Quinoa is also used by some people as a substitute for wheat, especially those on a gluten- free diet due to celiac disease or other conditions.

Other than its use as a food, there is insufficient evidence in humans to support the use of quinoa for any indication.

Evidence

Tradition

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):

There is no proven effective dose for quinoa in adults.

Children (younger than 18 years):

There is no proven effective dose for quinoa in children.

Safety

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) or its constituents.

Side Effects and Warnings

Quinoa is likely safe when quinoa seeds are used in food amounts, as quinoa has been used as a food for thousands of years. Quinoa is usually washed after harvest and before preparation to remove a natural coating of saponins on the seeds. Available reports of adverse effects related to quinoa are lacking.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Quinoa is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.