Scientists are learning more about nutrients that impact the cells and brain. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a nutrient found in certain fruits, vegetables, tea, and eggs. PQQ supplements appear to improve mitochondrial functioning and improve the brain. As people age, the tiny mitochondria inside cells become increasingly damaged. PQQ is a quinone that could prove to be an important anti-aging supplement.
Humans cannot produce their own pyrroloquinoline quinone. You can get some PQQ through your diet. PQQ is found naturally in food such as bananas, cabbage, carrots, celery, egg yolks, fava beans, field mustard, green peppers, kiwi, miso, natto (fermented soybeans), oranges, papayas, parsley, potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, tofu, tomatoes, and green teas. Bacteria inside of people may be able to produce some PQQ. However, PQQ supplements provide a steady, predictable dose. We recommend just 10 mg to 20 mg of PQQ supplements per day.
Research on Pyrroloquinoline Quinone
People at high risk of neurological disease, especially seniors, should know about current research on PQQ:
- It can increase blood flow to the prefrontal cortex1, therefore protecting against age-related cognitive decline
- Could protect the brain from Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and brain injuries.2
3 - Reduces alpha-synuclein and amyloid beta aggregation associated with certain neurological diseases4 5
- Improves quality of sleep6
- Lowers inflammation7, which is a suspect in a wide range of diseases of the aging
PQQ and Microconidia
PQQ is crucial to mitochondria functioning. As the cell’s batteries, mitochondrial activity appears to control the aging process and longevity.8 PQQ stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis.
Gait Disturbances in Parkinson’s
Patients with Parkinson’s Disease often have gait disturbances. Walking requires many parts of the brain to work together. Research has found that supplemental PQQ improved gait disturbances in patients with Parkinson’s.9 10
Natural Eye Care offers PQQ on its online store. Also, check out Michael Edson’s book, Natural Parkinson’s Support for information on PQQ and much more.
Note: Follow package directions. Discuss supplements with your doctor before taking them.
- Itoh Y, Hine K, Miura H, Uetake T, Nakano M, et al. (2016). Effect of the Antioxidant Supplement Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt (BioPQQ™) on Cognitive Functions. Adv Exp Med Biol 876:319-325. ↩
- Takatsu H1, Owada K, Abe K, Nakano M, Urano S. (2009). Effect of vitamin E on learning and memory deficit in aged rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 55(5):389-93. ↩
- Ohwada K, Takeda H, Yamazaki M, Isogai H, Nakano M, et al. (2008). Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) Prevents Cognitive Deficit Caused by Oxidative Stress in Rats. J Clin Biochem Nutr. Jan; 42(1): 29–34. ↩
- Kobayashi M, Kim J, Kobayashi N, Han S, Nakamura C, et al. (2006). Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) prevents fibril formation of alpha-synuclein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. Oct 27;349(3):1139-44. ↩
- Zhang JJ, Zhang RF, Meng XK. (2009). Protective effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone against Abeta-induced neurotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Neurosci Lett. Oct 30;464(3):165-9. ↩
- Nakano M, Yamamoto T, Okamura H, Tsuda A, Kowatari Y. (2012). Effects of Oral Supplementation with Pyrroloquinoline Quinone on Stress, Fatigue and Sleep. Func Foods Health Sci. 2(8). ↩
- Harris CB, Chowanadisai W, Mishchuk DO, Satre MA, Slupsky CM, et al. (2013). Dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) alters indicators of inflammation and mitochondrial-related metabolism in human subjects. J Nutr Biochem. Dec;24(12):2076-84. ↩
- Itoh Y, Hine K, Miura H, Uetake T, Nakano M, et al. (2016). Effect of the Antioxidant Supplement Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt (BioPQQ™) on Cognitive Functions. Adv Exp Med Biol 876:319-325. ↩
- Qin J, Wu M, Yu S, Gao X, Zhang J, et al. (2015). Pyrroloquinoline quinone-conferred neuroprotection in rotenone models of Parkinson’s disease. Toxicol Lett. Nov;238(3):70-82. ↩
- Zhang Q, Zhang J, Jiang C, Qin J, Ke K, et al. (2014). Involvement of ERK1/2 pathway in neuroprotective effects of pyrroloquinoline quinine against rotenone-induced SH-SY5Y cell injury. Neuroscience. Jun 13;270:183-91. ↩