PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) for fertility

On this page

1. What is PQQ?
2. Function and how it works
3. Fertility benefits
4. Recommended daily dose
5. Food sources
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. My Fertility Guide
8. Related pages

1. What is PQQ?

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a vitamin-like compound that has the unique ability to stimulate the creation of new mitochondria — the cellular "power plants" that generate the energy needed by every cell, including the egg. Most antioxidants protect existing mitochondria from damage; PQQ goes one step further by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, the formation of brand-new mitochondria.

Reference ranges and recommended intakes vary from country to country — always interpret guidance against the recommendations of your own healthcare authority.

2. Function and how it works

PQQ supports fertility through several mechanisms:

1. Mitochondrial biogenesis. PQQ stimulates the production of new mitochondria, increasing the cell's energy capacity. Eggs contain hundreds of thousands of mitochondria — the most of any human cell.
2. Antioxidant defence. PQQ is a powerful antioxidant in its own right and works synergistically with coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinol.
3. Energy metabolism. PQQ supports the citric acid cycle and electron transport chain.
4. Possible fertility enhancement. Preliminary animal research has shown that PQQ supplementation can improve fertility and the growth of offspring.

3. Fertility benefits

PQQ is one of the more recent additions to the fertility supplement world, and is most relevant for:

1. Older women trying to conceive
2. Women with low AMH or diminished ovarian reserve
3. Women with poor egg quality
4. Anyone supplementing CoQ10 or ubiquinol — PQQ enhances their effects

4. Recommended daily dose

I recommend a daily dose of 20 mg of PQQ. It is usually taken alongside CoQ10 or ubiquinol for synergistic effect.

5. Food sources

Small amounts of PQQ are found in:

1. Fermented soybeans (natto)
2. Green tea
3. Parsley
4. Green peppers
5. Kiwi fruit
6. Papaya
7. Spinach

Dietary intake is small — supplementation is the only practical way to achieve clinically useful doses.

6. Cautions and contraindications

1. PQQ has been well-tolerated in human trials at doses up to 60 mg/day.
2. Discontinue once pregnancy is confirmed unless advised otherwise by your doctor — pregnancy safety data are limited.
3. Always consult with a fertility specialist or your doctor before starting any new supplement regime.

7. My Fertility Guide

8. Related pages

• Fertility supplements directory
• Coenzyme Q10
• Ubiquinol
• NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide)
• Alpha lipoic acid
• Melatonin
• Low AMH level