PQQ Side Effects, Interactions & Safety Information

Pyrroloquinoline quinone, which is also known as PQQ, is an antioxidant found in plant-based foods and sold in supplement form. PQQ is found naturally in the body and plays an important role in energy metabolism.

PQQ cannot be synthesized by the body and must be derived from food sources. Recently, the use of PQQ supplements for energy, cognitive health, and general well-being has increased.

There have not been many human research trials on this nutrient when used as an exogenous supplement. However, research studies indicate that PQQ side effects are rare and may not occur unless the supplement is consumed in extremely high doses.

More research is needed to evaluate the safety of PQQ for long-term use and to make sure this supplement is appropriate for all groups of people. It could interact with medications or other supplements. Check with a doctor to find out if this nutrient is safe for you.

PQQ

Nutrient Supplement

Heart Health

Cognitive Function

Anti-Aging

How It Works:

• Promotes mitochondrial biogenesis
• Supports heart health & cognitive function
• Anti-oxidant for anti-aging benefits

Dosage:

Between 20 - 40 mg per day

Safety:

Limited Research

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Common Benefits of PQQ

Research regarding the benefits of PQQ is ongoing. The results of studies conducted to date have indicated that PQQ may provide the following benefits when consumed in the appropriate amount.

• Reduced perception of pain.
• Improved quality of sleep.
• Reduction of perceived stress levels.
• Higher energy levels.
• Improved cognitive function.

Some studies have also shown that PQQ may be able to increase the production and release of nerve growth factor, a neuropeptide essential for the plasticity of neurons and the ability of the brain to form new connections.

PQQ has also been studied for its neuroprotective effects. Researchers have examined the effects of this supplement for stroke risk, protecting the brain from toxin-related damage, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

However, there is insufficient evidence to rate its effectiveness for these medicinal uses. The FDA has not approved PQQ as a drug for the treatment or prevention of any medical condition.

How Does PQQ Work?

Pyrroloquinoline quinone serves as a cofactor for certain enzymes that play a role in important cellular functions, including the growth of cells, development of cells, cell differentiation and cell survival.

In addition, PQQ is also a redox agent. It inhibits oxidation, which reduces the amount of free radicals in the body.

PQQ is relatively stable. When acting as a redox agent, it is recycled back into an active form multiple times. Research has shown that the molecule can complete as many as 20,000 cycles before becoming depleted.

Is PQQ Safe?

The safety of PQQ in supplemental dosages has not been established. It is a nutrient commonly found in the diet, but it is unclear what the effects of taking high doses of this supplement for long periods of time may be.

Some studies have shown that it causes few adverse effects. It may also be an essential nutrient for the human body.

According to the results of recent trials, omitting PQQ from the diet of a mammal may lead to growth impairment, immune system dysfunction and problems with fertility.

Furthermore, this compound occurs naturally in many food sources already consumed by humans on a regular basis, including green tea, parsley, green peppers, kiwi fruit, papaya and tofu.

While green tea contains approximately 2 to 3 micrograms of PQQ per 4 ounce serving, the other foods on this list contain approximately 2 to 3 micrograms of PQQ per 100 gram serving.

Individuals who want to boost their intake PQQ without consuming PQQ-rich foods can take this compound in the form of a PQQ supplement. Most PQQ supplements are manufactured in the form of a capsule.

Studies exploring the safety of PQQ supplements have found that it does not raise LDL cholesterol or HDL cholesterol when taken for up to three weeks at one time.

Likewise, studies have not found any significant effect on triglycerides, liver enzymes or blood glucose when PQQ is taken on a short-term basis.

Safe PQQ Dosages

Despite good initial results, it is still possible that this substance could cause side effects at high doses or for specific groups of people. Idiosyncratic adverse effects are always possible when taking dietary supplements.

One study showed that injections of 20 mg per kg of body weight caused both liver and kidney toxicity in rats. This represents a significantly higher dosage than what is normally used in dietary supplements.

For this reason, if you decide to consume PQQ in supplement form, it is important to take the supplement only as recommended by the packaging and/or your physician. Most dietary PQQ supplements are available with dosages ranging from 20 to 40 mg per capsule.

No official dosage recommendations for this supplement exist, but previous studies have utilized dosages of up to 0.3 mg of PPQ per kg of body weight without any noticeable adverse reactions.

Studies have also found that dosages of only 2 mg can produce results. However, the results of other studies have suggested a daily dosage of at least 20 mg for best results.

Avoiding Negative Effects of PQQ

Based on the results of research completed to date, it seems that PQQ poses few risks. However, because people may react differently to supplements and/or some PQQ dangers may have not yet been discovered, consumers should still use caution.

Studies have only explored the effects of short-term PQQ use, so consumers should exercise even more caution when taking the supplement for more than a few weeks at a time. In addition, because PQQ side effects may be dose dependent, consumers should never take more than the recommended amount of this supplement.

PPQ appears to be safe for most people. However, it may interact with other medications or supplements in ways that have not yet been discovered.

Before beginning PQQ or any other new supplement, talk to your doctor to find out if the supplement is right for you.

If you notice any side effects while taking PQQ, stop taking the supplement and talk to your doctor. If you think you are experiencing serious side effects from pyrroloquinoline quinone use, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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