Nutritional functions of PQQ

 

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) is a coenzyme of oxidoreductase and an essential nutrient for the human body. It has surprising physiological effects. Its unique o-quinone structure makes it significantly different from other coenzymes.

Nutritional functions of PQQ

1. Promote mitochondrial occurrence

Experiments on mice found that dietary PQQ levels affected the number and function of the animals' mitochondria. Using PQQ to limit the diet reduced the relative number of mitochondria in liver cells; supplementing the diet with PQQ significantly increased the mitochondrial DNA/nuclear DNA ratio in liver cells and increased the mitochondrial respiration ratio in cardiomyocytes. Mouse experiments illustrate the function of PQQ in promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and protecting mitochondria.

2. Antioxidant

The normal PQQ concentration in the animal body mainly exhibits antioxidant effects. PQQ easily reacts with reducing agents (such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, glutathione, etc.) to form PQQH2, which then exhibits a strong antioxidant effect. The activity of PQQH2 in scavenging aromatic free radicals is 7.4 times that of vitamin C.

PQQ is a substance currently known to react with reactive oxygen species with high efficiency. One molecule of PQQ can catalyze thousands of redox cycles. PQQ scavenges free radicals generated during energy metabolism, thereby protecting mitochondria, plasmid DNA, proteins, etc. from oxidative damage. PQQ's free radical scavenging function may also have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system and the brain nervous system.

References: STITES T, STORMS D, BAUERLY K, et al. Pyrroloquinoline quinone modulates mitochondrial quantity and function in mice[J]. The Journal of Nutrition, 2006, 136(2):390-396.

*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.