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What is PQQ? Understanding Its Benefits Compared to Vitamins

What is PQQ? Understanding Its Benefits Compared to Vitamins

July 01
13:42 2025

Could This Potential Vitamin Really Boost Brain Function? Effective for Both the Young and the Elderly!

Introduction

PQQ, or Pyrroloquinoline quinone, is a coenzyme that the human body cannot synthesize but is essential for physiological activities. Clinical trials show that taking PQQ can improve thinking skills. This helps both young people and older adults. However, more evidence is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits or risks associated with it.Today, we’ll explore a compound known as pyrroloquinoline quinone, commonly abbreviated as PQQ.

What is PQQ?

PQQ can be thought of as something akin to a vitamin. Some researchers have even suggested in a publication in Nature that PQQ should be classified as a B vitamin.This suggestion is still debated and not widely accepted. However, recognizing PQQ’s vitamin-like traits can help us see its importance for our health

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The body cannot synthesize PQQ, yet it is required for various physiological activities.

Like many B vitamins, which are coenzymes or precursors to coenzymes, PQQ is also a coenzyme. Coenzymes are essential components that help form complete enzymes. Numerous enzymes necessary for the body’s physiological functions depend on PQQ to achieve their active forms.

PQQ has many important roles in our body. It helps clear free radicals and provides antioxidant benefits. It also reduces inflammation and prevents cell death. PQQ regulates mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. It protects the nervous system and inhibits melanin production. Additionally, it fights tumors and helps regulate bone metabolism.

PQQ can be found in various tissues and organs throughout the body and is primarily obtained through diet.

With a molecular weight of only 330, PQQ effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier.

PQQ is very good at removing free radicals. It works 50 to 100 times better than vitamin C. This helps reduce oxidative damage. Many health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline, involve oxidative damage, making the reduction of such damage beneficial for overall health.

Today, we’ll focus on three key functions supported by existing clinical trial evidence.

Function 1: Improving Cognitive Function

This aspect is crucial for students and working professionals alike.Many foods and dietary components can help slow down age-related cognitive decline. These effects are often stronger in older adults, especially those with chronic diseases. PQQ, however, has demonstrated effectiveness in both healthy young and middle-aged adults.

Function 2: Enhancing Seven Cognitive Score Areas

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One study conducted in Japan involved 64 healthy volunteers aged 40 to 80. Over 12 weeks, participants in the intervention group consumed 21.5 mg of PQQ disodium salt daily (branded as mnemoPQQ®). After just six weeks, tests indicated significant improvements in seven cognitive function areas compared to the control group, including:

  1. Composite Memory: The ability to remember and recall information.
  2. Verbal Memory: The capacity to remember and recall words.
  3. Reaction Time: The ability to respond quickly to stimuli.
  4. Complex Attention: The ability to maintain focus and respond to details in tasks requiring sustained attention.
  5. Cognitive Flexibility: The ability to adapt thought processes and strategies in response to changes in task demands.
  6. Executive Function: Abilities related to planning, decision-making, working memory, and impulse control.
  7. Motor Speed: This is the ability to make quick, repeated small movements. It relates to how fast and efficiently we do daily tasks.

Function 3: Beneficial for Individuals Aged 20 and Above

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Another trial included 70 healthy adults aged 20 to 65. The intervention group took 20 mg of PQQ every day for 12 weeks. People aged 20 to 40 showed better cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and executive speed after eight weeks. For those aged 41 to 65, improvements were noted in composite memory and verbal memory after 12 weeks. The authors noted that the PQQ product manufacturer was involved. They clarified that sponsors did not influence any conclusions from the trials.

Function 4: Enhancing Blood Flow in the Prefrontal Cortex

Two more studies used near-infrared imaging. They studied blood flow and oxygen use in the prefrontal cortex. This was done with healthy middle-aged volunteers. The volunteers had taken Pqq Supplements. Results showed that taking 20 mg of PQQ every day for 12 weeks improved blood flow and oxygen use in the PFC. This, in turn, boosted cognitive function.

Mechanisms of Action

There are several ways PQQ may improve cognitive function. These include reducing oxidative damage, promoting mitochondrial growth, and boosting nerve growth factor (NGF) levels.

Natural Food Sources

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PQQ is found in animals, plants, and microorganisms. However, the amounts in food are low and mostly in trace amounts. Tests on more than twenty common foods, like natto, kiwi, and green peppers, showed PQQ levels. These levels ranged from 3.65 to 61.0 nanograms per gram or milliliter. Natto had the highest amount. To put this into perspective, the amount of PQQ in these foods translates to only 0.000365 to 0.0061 milligrams per 100 grams or milliliters. As such, the quantities obtained from regular consumption are far from the doses used in clinical trials. Additionally, human breast milk contains a significantly higher concentration of PQQ, ranging from 140 to 180 nanograms per milliliter.

Adding PQQ to Processed Foods

Since natural foods have very little PQQ, our country has approved adding PQQ to processed foods. PQQ can be synthesized via chemical or microbial fermentation processes. In March 2022, the National Health Commission approved PQQ as a new food additive. This approval is for everyone except infants, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. The daily intake limit is 20 mg or less. PQQ can also be used in beverages.

Moreover, the use of PQQ produced via fermentation with the bacterium Methylovorus glucosotrophus received approval from the National Health Commission in October 2023.

PQQ Supplements

Currently, the market for PQQ products may be limited. Many products are available as powdered drinks. These drinks contain PQQ and a mix of other helpful ingredients. They usually have low doses for added benefits. When considering these products, it’s crucial to verify the specific PQQ content. Based on current research, a daily intake of around 20 mg appears to yield some beneficial effects.

Conclusion

It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning supplementation. Ultimately, prioritizing healthy lifestyle habits—including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep—provides more robust health benefits than relying solely on supplements.

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