Knowledge blog > Micronutrient dictionary
PQQ
Themen dieses Blogartikels:
What is PQQ?
PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is a water-soluble, vitamin-like substance.¹ PQQ was discovered in the mid-1960s and was initially described as a cofactor for bacterial enzymes.² PQQ is also known as methoxatin.
Is PQQ a vitamin?
In 2003, it was proposed that PQQ be classified as a new B vitamin.³ This proposal was criticized in 2005 as premature.⁴ To date, no classic PQQ-dependent enzyme has been identified in mammals; rather, PQQ acts as a cofactor that influences the activity of existing enzymes.¹,⁵ PQQ is therefore not considered a recognized vitamin, but rather a vitamin-like substance.
What functions does PQQ have?
PQQ was not discovered until 2003, so its functions are still being studied. Pyrroloquinoline quinone is believed to be an important redox cofactor: as a catalyst, it facilitates the transfer of one or more electrons between different substances. As a result, PQQ plays a key role in energy metabolism and supports cell growth. ¹'⁶ In addition, PQQ acts as a powerful antioxidant, i.e., as a so-called free radical scavenger. You can find out more about the interaction between PQQ and coenzyme Q10 in the article “PQQ Effects: How PQQ and Q10 Promote Your Well-Being.”
What makes PQQ unique?
PQQ has the ability to stimulate the formation of new mitochondria in aging cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells—but their components can wear out over time or under high stress. This is where PQQ comes in: this vitamin-like substance can counteract this wear and tear, thereby contributing to normal mitochondrial function.⁷,⁸
Advertisement
- 20 mg of PQQ from the proprietary ingredient MGCPQQ® & 20 mg of R-alpha-lipoic acid in a complex
- PQQ is being researched for its role in mitochondrial biogenesis
- with vitamin C from rose hips & vitamin E
- with bioactive vitamin B6 (P5P)
- vegan & free of lactose & gluten
- developed in collaboration with doctors & experts
How much PQQ do you need per day?
Whether PQQ is an essential nutrient for humans that must be consumed in the diet is still being researched. To date, however, no standard requirement has been established for PQQ.4 It is estimated that we consume an average of 0.1 to 1.0 mg per day.5
When do you particularly need PQQ?
Initial studies have provided evidence that PQQ can be particularly helpful in cases of reduced mitochondrial function or increased oxidative stress. In addition, pyrroloquinoline quinone has an anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory effect and can therefore be used to treat inflammatory diseases. Studies with mice have also shown the influence of PQQ on fertility.6 It is assumed that the substance has a similar effect in humans.7 Furthermore, studies have shown PQQ to be neuroprotective, which is why the vitamin-like compound is said to have a positive influence on memory function.8
How does a PQQ deficiency develop and how does it manifest itself?
Currently, PQQ is not yet classified as an essential nutrient. ¹ This is because it is also possible that the human gut microbiome can produce small amounts of it on its own. Nevertheless, it is believed that a PQQ deficiency develops when insufficient amounts of PQQ are obtained through the diet.¹ In studies with mice, a diet low in PQQ led to a weakened immune system, reduced growth, more vulnerable skin, and a lower reproduction rate.¹³,¹⁸
What happens in the event of an overdose of PQQ?
A daily intake of up to 20 mg of PQQ is considered safe.¹¹ In the EU, the maximum permitted amount of PQQ in dietary supplements is 20 mg per day. ¹⁰ This amount should not be exceeded, even though studies using higher doses of PQQ have not raised any safety concerns.¹¹ PQQ is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding women.¹⁰
Which foods contain particularly high levels of PQQ?
PQQ is produced by certain microorganisms, primarily methylotrophic bacteria. Mammals—including humans—cannot produce PQQ on their own, but it is found in small amounts in many foods.²,⁵ PQQ is present in various fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including kiwi, green bell peppers, and parsley. ¹⁹ According to a study, free PQQ is present in virtually all of the foods examined, but only in trace amounts ranging from 3.7 to 61 ng per gram or milliliter. Meat was not included in the study.¹⁹
A particularly good source of PQQ is the Japanese specialty natto, which is made from fermented soybeans. Other fermented foods, such as tofu and miso, also contain relatively high amounts of PQQ.¹⁹
Conclusion
PQQ shows just how much there is still to discover about it in the body. This vitamin-like substance has been known since the 1960s, and yet researchers are only beginning to understand the role PQQ might play in our mitochondria and in managing oxidative stress.¹,² You already consume small amounts of PQQ through your diet, for example, in fermented soy products, fruits, and vegetables.¹⁹
More blog articles on the topic
This dictionary entry is based on carefully researched sources:
Bibliography & Sources
- 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;11(10):1441.
- Cordell GA, Daley SK. Pyrroloquinoline quinone chemistry, biology, and biosynthesis. Chem Res Toxicol. 2022;35(3):355-377.
- Kasahara T, Kato T. A new redox-cofactor vitamin for mammals. Nature. 2003;422:832.
- Felton LM, Anthony C. Biochemistry: role of PQQ as a mammalian enzyme cofactor? Nature. 2005;433:E10.
- Akagawa M, Minematsu K, Shibata T, Kondo T, Ishii T, Uchida K. Identification of lactate dehydrogenase as a mammalian pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-binding protein. Sci Rep. 2016;6:26723.
- Misra HS, Rajpurohit YS, Khairnar NP. Pyrroloquinoline-quinone and its versatile roles in biological processes. J Biosci. 2012;37(2):313-325. doi:10.1007/s12038-012-9195-5
- Chowanadisai W, Bauerly KA, Tchaparian E, Wong A, Cortopassi GA, Rucker RB. Pyrroloquinoline quinone stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis through cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation and increased PGC-1alpha expression. J Biol Chem. 2010;285(1):142-152.
- Stites T, Storms D, Bauerly K, Mah J, Harris C, Fascetti A, Rogers Q, Tchaparian E, Satre M, Rucker RB. Pyrroloquinoline quinone modulates mitochondrial quantity and function in mice. J Nutr. 2006;136(2):390-396.
- Harris CB, Chowanadisai W, Mishchuk DO, Satre MA, Slupsky CM, Rucker RB. Dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) alters indicators of inflammation and mitochondrial-related metabolism in human subjects. J Nutr Biochem. 2013;24(12):2076-2084.
- Durchführungsverordnung (EU) 2018/1122 der Kommission vom 10. August 2018 zur Genehmigung des Inverkehrbringens von Pyrrolochinolinchinon-Dinatriumsalz als neuartiges Lebensmittel.
- EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Safety of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 258/97. EFSA J. 2017;15(11):5058.
- Min Z, Zhou J, Mao R, Cui B, Cheng Y, Chen Z. Pyrroloquinoline quinone administration alleviates allergic airway inflammation in mice by regulating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Mediators Inflamm. 2022;2022:1267841.
- Killgore J, Smidt C, Duich L, Romero-Chapman N, Tinker D, Reiser K, Melko M, Hyde D, Rucker RB. Nutritional importance of pyrroloquinoline quinone. Science. 1989;245(4920):850-852.
- Tsuji S, Takiuchi T, Handa M, Miura N, Aoyagi H, Uematsu Y, Shidomi M, Fukada K, Ogura C, Kimura T, Kodama M. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone response to pyrroloquinoline quinone supplementation in healthy women: no overall change and exploratory subgroup findings. Front Endocrinol. 2026;17:1831604.
- Aboulhassane S, Sangha V, Bendayan R. Protective effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone in CNS disorders. J Nutr Biochem. 2026;149:110178.
- Shiojima Y, Takahashi M, Takahashi R, Moriyama H, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Akanuma M. Effect of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt on cognitive function in healthy volunteers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. J Am Nutr Assoc. 2022;41(8):796-809. doi:10.1080/07315724.2021.1962770
- Tamakoshi M, Suzuki T, Nishihara E, Nakamura S, Ikemoto K. Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt improves brain function in both younger and older adults. Food Funct. 2023;14(5):2496-2501.
- Steinberg FM, Gershwin ME, Rucker RB. Dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone: growth and immune response in BALB/c mice. J Nutr. 1994;124(5):744-753.
- Kumazawa T, Sato S, Seno H, Ishii A, Suzuki O. Levels of pyrroloquinoline quinone in various foods. Biochem J. 1995;307(Pt 2):331-333.
