Quail: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Quail, both their meat and eggs, are captivating the attention of nutritionists, chefs, and health-conscious consumers around the world. With their petite size and rich nutritional profile, quail products offer a unique combination of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and health-promoting compounds. Whether you’re looking to diversify your protein sources, boost your micronutrient intake, or simply enjoy new flavors, quail can be a smart addition to your diet.

In this article, we dive deep into the nutrition facts of quail meat and eggs, and explore the impressive health benefits supported by scientific research.

Quail Nutrition Facts

Quail meat and eggs stand out for their dense concentration of high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Their nutritional composition makes them not only a flavorful choice but also a functional food supporting various aspects of health.

Table 1: Key Nutritional Components of Quail Meat and Eggs

Protein and Amino Acid Profile

Quail meat and eggs are excellent sources of high-quality protein, providing all essential amino acids in balanced proportions. Studies show little difference in protein quality between Japanese and Common quail species, ensuring that both wild and farmed varieties offer substantial protein benefits. For eggs, the whites are particularly rich in leucine, an essential amino acid vital for muscle growth and repair, while the yolks contain a variety of other amino acids 5, 6.

Healthy Fats and Fatty Acids

Quail meat is notable for its favorable fat composition. Japanese quail meat, in particular, has lower saturated fatty acids (SFA) and higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) compared to common quail, leading to a healthier PUFA/SFA ratio. Wild quail meat also has more omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health. Quail eggs provide both linoleic acid (essential PUFA) and oleic acid (beneficial monounsaturated fat) in the yolk 5, 6.

Caloric Content

Quail eggs are relatively energy-dense, with about 156.5 kcal per 100 grams—making them a nutrient-rich option for those seeking compact sources of energy and nutrients 6.

Cholesterol

There are differences in cholesterol content between wild and farmed quail meat, with wild birds offering lower total cholesterol. While quail eggs do contain cholesterol in the yolk, for most healthy adults, moderate consumption can fit within dietary guidelines 5, 6.

Vitamins and Antioxidants

Quail meat and eggs are good sources of vitamin E (α-tocopherol), which acts as a potent antioxidant. Eggs also contain significant amounts of B vitamins and the hormone progesterone, which may have physiological effects. The presence of vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative damage, supporting overall health 5, 6.

Mineral Content

Quail products boast a rich mineral profile. Quail meat from the common species is particularly high in iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. Eggs provide iron (mainly in the whites), as well as nitrogen and zinc in the yolk. These minerals are crucial for oxygen transport, immune function, and metabolic processes 5, 6.

Quail Health Benefits

Beyond their impressive nutritional profile, quail meat and eggs offer a spectrum of health benefits. Recent scientific studies highlight their potential to support immunity, antioxidant defenses, cardiovascular health, and gut microbiota.

Table 2: Documented Health Benefits of Quail Nutrition

Immunity Boost

Numerous studies reveal that quail diets enriched with functional ingredients—such as lemongrass essential oil, nano zinc, herbal oils, nano-curcumin, and licorice—can significantly enhance immune function. These additives increase levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA), lysozyme activity, and globulin in the blood, strengthening the birds' ability to fight infections and supporting overall health 1,2,4,7,8,9.

• Herbal supplements like marjoram, thyme, and licorice notably boost the immune response in quail 4,9.
• Nano-zinc and nano-curcumin supplementation also elevate key immune markers 2,7.

Antioxidant Capacity

Quail nutrition is associated with improved antioxidant status, both inherently (through nutrients like vitamin E) and via dietary supplements. Research shows:

• Increased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH), and catalase with the inclusion of herbal oils, nano-curcumin, nano-zinc, Yucca extract, and licorice in the diet 1,2,4,7,8,9.
• Lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of oxidative stress, especially when quail are fed cold-pressed oils, Yucca extract, or licorice 4,8,9.

A robust antioxidant system helps protect the body from oxidative damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Cardiovascular and Lipid Health

Quail meat’s favorable fatty acid profile (high PUFA, especially n-3 in wild quail) and the positive effects of dietary supplements on blood lipids suggest cardiovascular benefits:

• Quail diets supplemented with herbal oils, nano-curcumin, nano-zinc, and licorice lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, while improving HDL levels 1,2,4,7,9.
• Quail eggs, despite their cholesterol content, provide beneficial fatty acids that may contribute to balanced lipid metabolism 6.

Gut Microbiota and Digestive Health

Research indicates that quail and their diets can positively influence gut health:

• Dietary additions like lemongrass essential oil, nano-zinc, nano-curcumin, and licorice increase beneficial bacteria (such as Lactobacillus) while reducing harmful pathogens (Coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella) 1,2,7,9.
• Enhanced digestive enzyme activity and improved nutrient digestibility, especially with protein optimization and betaine supplementation, support efficient feed utilization and overall gut health 1,3.

Growth, Performance, and Reproductive Health

Optimizing quail diets with adequate protein, herbal supplements, and functional additives leads to measurable improvements in growth and productivity:

• Increased body weight, better feed conversion ratio, and higher egg weights are consistently observed when quails are fed with optimized protein levels (18-26%), betaine, herbal oils, and functional extracts 1,2,3,4,7,9.
• Yucca schidigera extract not only protects against environmental toxins but also enhances fertility, hatchability, and reproductive performance 8.

Egg Quality and Nutrient Density

Quail eggs, beyond being nutrient-dense, provide:

• High-quality protein and essential amino acids, particularly leucine in the white 6.
• Rich sources of iron (white), zinc and nitrogen (yolk), and vitamin E, which are critical for immune function, cognitive health, and energy metabolism 6.
• Essential fatty acids, including linoleic and oleic acids, supporting heart and brain health 6.

Special Considerations

• Wild quail meat generally offers a healthier lipid profile (higher n-3, lower cholesterol) than farmed, but both types contribute valuable nutrients 5.
• Strategic dietary supplementation in farmed quail can compensate for some differences, improving nutritional quality and health outcomes 1,2,4,7,9.

Conclusion

Quail meat and eggs are more than just gourmet delicacies—they are nutritional powerhouses with scientifically backed health benefits. Whether sourced from the wild or farmed, or enhanced through optimized diets and supplements, quail products offer a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Key Takeaways:

• Protein-Rich: Both quail meat and eggs deliver high-quality, complete proteins ideal for muscle, tissue repair, and overall growth 5,6.
• Healthy Fats: Favorable fatty acid profiles, especially in wild quail meat and egg yolks, support cardiovascular health 5,6.
• Micronutrient Dense: Rich in iron, zinc, vitamin E, and other essential minerals and antioxidants 5,6.
• Immune and Antioxidant Support: Diets enriched with herbs, nano-supplements, and functional extracts boost immunity and antioxidant capacity 1,2,4,7,8,9.
• Gut and Metabolic Health: Positive impacts on gut microbiota and lipid metabolism, with the potential for improved digestive health and reduced risk of chronic disease 1,2,7,9.
• Performance Benefits: Enhanced growth, feed efficiency, and reproductive performance in quail with targeted dietary strategies 1,2,3,4,7,8,9.

Incorporating quail into your diet can be a delicious and practical way to access a broad spectrum of nutrients and health-promoting compounds. As research continues, the case for quail as a superfood only grows—making it a smart choice for adventurous eaters and health enthusiasts alike.