Pyrroloquinoline Quinone

Bio-Activity Analysis
Mitochondrial Biogenesis Stimulation
SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION
Health Benefits & Sources
Why You Need It
- Supercharges Cellular Energy: It sparks mitochondrial biogenesis (making new mitochondria), helping your body produce ATP (energy) more efficiently.
- Neuroprotection: PQQ protects brain cells from oxidative stress and damage, potentially supporting memory and cognitive function.
- Heart Health: Studies suggest it helps protect cardiac tissue from damage and supports healthy blood pressure levels.
Deep Dive
PQQ is distinct from other antioxidants because of its ability to regenerate. Unlike Vitamin C, which is used up after neutralizing a free radical, PQQ can cycle through thousands of redox reactions without breaking down. This makes it incredibly efficient at protecting your DNA. Furthermore, because it encourages the growth of new mitochondria, it directly combats the cellular aging process, where mitochondrial function naturally declines.
Natural Food Sources
Nature has packed PQQ into some of our favorite healthy foods. It is heat-stable, so cooking doesn't destroy it easily.
| Food | Amount (Approx.) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Parsley | 2-3 ng/g | Surprisingly high for a common herb! |
| Kiwi Fruit | 2-3 ng/g | One of the best fruit sources. |
| Papaya | 2-3 ng/g | Great for digestion and PQQ. |
| Celery | 2-3 ng/g | Easy to add to juices and salads. |
| Green Tea | Trace | Contains trace amounts with every cup. |
Supplementation
Because PQQ is found in tiny amounts (nanograms) in food, many people choose to supplement to reach therapeutic levels. Look for PQQ Disodium Salt, which is the form best absorbed by the body. It is fat-soluble, so take it with a meal containing healthy fats (like avocado or olive oil) for maximum absorption.
Top Food Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Safety & Side Effects
PQQ is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and is well-tolerated. Because it is water-soluble, excess amounts are easily excreted in urine. No serious side effects have been reported in human trials. However, as with any supplement, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Scientific References
- [1]Kumazawa, T., et al. (1992). 'Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ): A novel redox cofactor.' *Journal of Biological Chemistry*.
- [2]Nakano, M., et al. (2012). 'Effects of oral intake of PQQ on cognitive function.' *Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition*.
- [3]Harris, C.B., et al. (2013). 'Effect of PQQ on mitochondrial biogenesis.' *Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry*.