PQQ — or — Pyrroloquinoline quinone has recently gained a lot of attention in the wellness and health sphere. PQQ supplements are believed to increase mental focus, energy levels, and longevity, but we may wonder whether there’s any evidence to these claims.
This write-up discusses everything you need to know about PQQ supplements, including the proof behind their possible benefits.
What is PQQ?
Methoxatin, also called pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), is a vitamin-like compound that exists naturally in soil and various foods, including kiwi, spinach, and soybeans, and human breast milk.
How it functions
Pyrroloquinoline quinone’s exact function in humans remains somewhat unclear, but it’s reputed for its powerful antioxidant effects. It’s also believed to be involved in various cellular processes, including safeguarding nerve cells against damage [2].
Moreover, PQQ supports proper mitochondrial function and new mitochondria’s cellular development, though its precise mechanisms are still undetermined [3].
Mitochondria are unique structures inside our cells that are responsible for producing energy from the foods we consume.
What are PQQ supplements?
When used as a supplement, Pyrroloquinoline quinone is categorized as a nootropic. Nootropics are substances used to improve brain functions like mental focus, memory, motivation, and creativity [4].
Pyrroloquinoline quinone supplements are manufactured via a specialized bacterial fermentation process. The Pyrroloquinoline quinone is harvested from particular bacteria that naturally produce this compound as a byproduct of their metabolism.
PQQ supplements are usually sold as soft gels or capsules, but they’re occasionally available as lozenges or chewable tablets.
PQQ Supplements Benefits
Although Pyrroloquinoline quinone is essential for human health, there’s limited proof that the supplemental form offers any meaningful health advantages.
That said, early studies indicate that PQQ can improve mitochondrial function and help reduce inflammation.
1. May help lower inflammation
Early studies indicate that PQQ has anti-inflammatory effects. In turn, these properties can reduce the risk of several inflammatory ailments.
One animal research noted that mice given PQQ had remarkably less inflammatory damage to brain tissue than the control group.
In another research in obese mice treated with Pyrroloquinoline quinone during lactation and pregnancy, their offspring exhibited remarkably fewer liver tissue inflammatory markers. They were less likely to express inflammatory genes than the offspring of mice that didn’t get Pyrroloquinoline quinone.
One brief, three-day research in ten individuals, evaluated the effects of taking a daily Pyrroloquinoline quinone supplement on prevalent markers of inflammation, such as CRP (C-reactive protein), IL-6 (interleukin-6), and blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
IL-6 and CRP levels dropped remarkably, but no meaningful changes in blood sugar or cholesterol occurred.
Although these results are encouraging, the data isn’t strong enough to indicate that PPQ treats or prevents inflammatory conditions. Thus, more studies are needed.
2. May improve mitochondrial function
Recent research on PQQ mainly focuses on its mitochondrial effects.
Mitochondria are attributed to producing the energy that our cells require to function optimally and stay healthy. Poor mitochondrial health is implicated in various common conditions, including mental decline, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Researchers note that enhanced mitochondrial health may be behind many of PQQ’s broad health claims, such as improved energy, memory, and sleep.
Numerous animal and test-tube studies indicate that Pyrroloquinoline quinone increases cellular mitochondria production via several complex pathways. Still, almost no research suggests a similar effect in humans — or which health benefits would be derived from it.
Still, a little, eight-week research in seventeen individuals found that taking 20 mg of Pyrroloquinoline quinone daily resulted in remarkable self-reported improvements in fatigue and sleep quality.
The research authors observed that these effects might have been due to Pyrroloquinoline quinone’s influence on mitochondrial health, but insufficient data were collected to back that theory.
Due to a lack of proof, more research is needed.
3. Possible side effects and dosage
When considering things like adverse effects and dosage, remember that Pyrroloquinoline quinone hasn’t been rigorously tested in human beings.
4. Dosage
Due to a lack of strong evidence, no set Pyrroloquinoline quinone dosage recommendation exists. However, the available studies indicate that results may be seen from doses as low as 5 mg per day.
5. Adverse effects
Likewise, its side effects aren’t entirely known, as very few human trials have investigated this substance. Yet, toxicology studies suggest that PQQ poses a risk of kidney damage when taken at substantial doses.
As such, we shouldn’t take more than the amount prescribed on the packaging.
It’s still undetermined whether PQQ interacts negatively with any medicines. Consult your medical practitioner before adding PQQ to your supplement routine, particularly if you’re taking any other supplements or medications.
6. Should you take it?
Currently, not enough substantial evidence is available to warrant taking Pyrroloquinoline quinone. Eating adequate PQQ-rich foods, such as parsley, oranges, spinach, carrots, bananas, tomatoes, green tea, and dark chocolate, is likely enough to get sufficient amounts.
Still, PQQ supplements carry some risks. Consult your medical practitioner if you decide to take it, and be sure to choose a high-quality product that’s tested for potency and purity by a third-party organization like the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or NSF International.
Bottom Line
PQQ is a compound that plays an essential role in human health. It’s found in various foods, including green tea and dark chocolate, and PQQ supplements are believed to improve energy levels, brain health, and longevity. Yet, current studies don’t back these benefits.
While animal and test-tube studies suggest that PQQ can promote mitochondrial health and reduce inflammation, more research is required. Although the lack of proof indicates that there’s no need to supplement with PQQ, the risks of doing so are limited if you’re interested in using it.
