What are the nutritional properties of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)?

 

PQQ is a redox coenzyme found in bacterial methanol dehydrogenase and is present in a variety of foods and human tissues. Studies have shown that a diet lacking PQQ leads to growth retardation, skin fragility, and reduced fertility in mice, suggesting that PQQ may be a vitamin.

Nutritional importance of PQQ in animal models and humans

Animal models: In mice and rats, a diet lacking PQQ leads to growth retardation and stunted development. PQQ supplementation improves these symptoms and has significant effects on mitochondrial content and related gene expression.

Humans: In human studies, PQQ supplementation (5-10 mg/day) reduces C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 levels, and plasma malondialdehyde levels, indicating that PQQ has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Physiological functionality of PQQ

Antioxidant effect: PQQ can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and has a strong antioxidant effect.

Cell signaling: PQQ can activate intracellular signaling pathways, promote cell proliferation, neuroprotection, immune activation, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Mitochondrial biogenesis: PQQ can increase the number and function of mitochondria, improve lipid metabolism, and prevent neurotoxicity in Parkinson's disease models.

Anti-obesity effect: PQQ can inhibit fat accumulation, reduce visceral fat, prevent muscle loss, and prevent obesity-related diseases.

Improved brain function: PQQ has a positive effect on memory, learning ability and cognitive function, can improve behavioral disorders in Alzheimer's disease model mice, and has shown an improvement in cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly people in human trials.

As a vitamin-like cofactor, PQQ has multiple properties, including regulation of NAD+ levels, promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis, and strong potential in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotection. PQQ can exert significant physiological effects at low concentrations, showing its potential as a therapeutic nutritional supplement.

References:

[1] Jonscher KR, Chowanadisai W, Rucker RB. Pyrroloquinoline-Quinone Is More Than an Antioxidant: A Vitamin-like Accessory Factor Important in Health and Disease Prevention. Biomolecules. 2021 Sep 30;11(10):1441. doi: 10.3390/biom11101441. PMID: 34680074; PMCID: PMC8533503.

[2] Akagawa Gong. Properties and physiological functions of health-preserving chemical candidate substance Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) [J]. Journal of Shikoku Medicine, 2025, 80(5.6): 179-184.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.

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