A new study conducted by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical has found that the antioxidant ingredient, Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), can help delay the natural ageing process, particularly by targeting mitochondria.
Published in the Frontiers in Aging Journal, this study is an early indicator that PQQ could be a key ingredient to healthy ageing.
The study
MGC conducted experiments with ageing mice to better understand PQQ’s underlying molecular mechanisms. They were fed a normal diet mixed with a concentrate of PQQ over the course of nine weeks, using MGC’s own MGCPQQ ingredient.
Researchers then investigated the effects on the mice by examining changes in their body composition, muscle atrophy and function, and found the following results:
- Suppression of muscle weakness: PQQ could particularly attenuate muscle atrophy and weakness by improving mitochondrial function, leading to reduced age-related oxidative stress and inflammation in muscles
- Improved nutrition: Aged mice suffered from malnutrition; however, PQQ supplementation mitigated this effect, possibly by improving metabolic dysfunction and small intestinal performance
“We’re encouraged by the preliminary research that suggests MGCPQQ has anti-ageing potential,” said Atsushi Sugimoto, Assistant Manager for MGC. “As the elderly population continues to expand in Europe, we want to ensure consumers have access to mitochondria-boosting ingredients that have been vetted for their safety and effectiveness as well as support a healthy lifestyle.”
Previous studies on PQQ
In previous studies, MGCPQQ has been shown to activate mitochondrial biogenesis, which is important for memory recall, energy, mood and longevity, while boosting Nerve Growth Factor, important for neurone development and cognitive function.
The supplement is still the only PQQ ingredient to be successfully evaluated for its safety and quality by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and appears on the European Union’s approved list of Novel Foods Ingredient.
The same ingredient is known under the brand name BioPQQ in North America and Japan and is the only supplement of its kind with an NDI notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) status – enabling it to be used as a food ingredient.