Mitochondria’s main role in the cell is to take glucose, and use the energy stored to make ATP in a process called cellular respiration.This ATP then is released from the mitochondria, and broken down by the other organelles of the cell to power their own functions. In simpler terms, mitochondria use the food we eat and produce energy.
As we age, we lose mitochondria, and the remaining ones do not work as efficiently as they should. This leads to low energy, and slower metabolism.
Mitochondria generate energy within all the body’s living cells and supply the power and energy required for a healthy life span. The heart and brain both have high energy demands and are dense with mitochondria.
The energy generated within the mitochondria exposes them to attack from free radicals. Mitochondrial decay is a characteristic of aging. The only natural way for aging adults to increase mitochondria within their bodies is either intense physical activity or calorie restriction. These are often either difficult or impractical for many people to implement.
PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) cannot be synthesized by the human body, so it must be obtained through a diet of nutrient rich, plant based foods or supplementation. Click here for a chart of food sources of PQQ.
PQQ is thought to have an essential role in the growth of new mitochondria (mitochondrial biogenesis). Studies indicate that as the number of healthy 
and functioning mitochondria in our cells increase, so does overall health and longevity.
PQQ also has an antioxidant effect. Free radicals (oxidants) can cause damage to cells, tissues and organs, leading to a number of chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases to name a few. Research is indicating that PQQ is more efficient than other antioxidants such as those found in fruits, vegetables, green tea and vitamin C.
As we age, we tend to forget things. Some are not important, but some are very important. The key here is that we are starting a downward progression. While we cannot stop time and its effects, perhaps we can slow it down.
What you need to know about PQQ:
- Mitochondrial malfunction has been linked to virtually all diseases of aging including Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes and heart failure
- Researchers have documented evidence of greater mitochondrial damage in the brain cells of humans over 70 compared to those in their early 40’s
- Many scientists feel mitochondrial longevity determines overall longevity
- PQQ has been shown to induce mitochondrial bio-genesis-the growth of new mitochondria in aging cells
- Published studies show that 20mg of PQQ plus 300mg of CoQ10 may help reverse age-related cognitive decline in aging humans
Click here for more info.
12 thoughts on “PQQ- What is it and what does it do?”
Thank you for this very clear and concise article and food list. Much appreciated.
Our pleasure.
Very interested in taking PQQ. I already take CO Q10. I am 77 years old. Have borderline diabetes and cardiomyopathy. Am overweight.
PQQ works closely with CoQ10. The daily dose is 20mg. It is currently on sale at the store and on-line at shop.naturalcompounder.com
The studies show that over time, it can be verybeneficial.
Mr Kracoff – thank you so much for this information. Would you happen to have links to these studies?
Here is a link to Pubmed and many of the studies. Hope this helps. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=pqq
I’m 71 years old, I take medications for Cholesterol, blood pressure and am a breast cancer survivor, which I also have to take a medication for 5 years. Do I need to ask my Doctor before I start taking PQQ and CoQ10?
Hello Lavinia, it is always a good idea to let your practitioner know what you are taking and planning on adding. PQQ and CoQ10 are very safe and effective and can be helpful with cholesterol, blood pressure and overall health. Many people with these conditions do take both PQQ and CoQ10. Please feel free to contact me at the wellness center 781-893-3870 x111 if you have any questions.
Dear Gary,
Has PQQ with CoQ10 been shown to be helpful with COPD in any way?
Hello Donna. Not sure if you received my e-mail, so I will answer your question here. PQQ with CoQ10 is very helpful in increasing the number and efficiency of mitochondria. Since the cardiac and pulmonary system work closely together, and when one system is not functioning well the other is adversely affected. This combination can be helpful. If the person with COPD also has some cardiac issues, the positive affect may be even greater. This is due to better cardiac output and efficiency, and that will lead to better blood flow to the lungs.
I am 63, and beginning to lose focus as well as becoming forgetful. Pat Robertson recommended PQQ, but I see there are articles relating it to accelerated cancer growth. It’s difficult to determine who to believe.
Hello Lynn,
I am not sure which articles you are referring to. PQQ Induces Cancer Cell Apoptosis (cell dealth) not promoting cancer. There is good research on this. It supports mitochondrial health, growth, and increase energy. These can be helpful throughout the body and mind. I think it would be worth adding into your daily regime.