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Saitama (pte047/24.04.2003/15:45) - Researchers at the Japanese RIKEN Institute http://www.riken.go.jp have identified the substance pyrroloquinolin-quinon (PQQ) as a vitamin of the B family. They also found that the newly identified important role in the fertility of mice.
Research director Takafumi Kato said the substance, which was originally discovered in 1979, could therefore also play an important role in human fertility.
The Japanese team found that the removal of PQQ from the mice's diet caused severe damage to the animals: they had difficulty reproducing, grew more slowly and developed rough fur. Further research will be conducted to determine the exact relation between the absence of PQQ and infertility.
According to the RIKEN Institute, this is the first new vitamin to be discovered since 1948. Vitamins are defined as substances the body needs, but does not produce in sufficient amounts and must therefore acquire through nutrition.
The researchers claim the best source of PQQ is a Japanese food known as 'Natto' made from beans, but that it can also be found in kiwis, papajas, green peppers, parsley and green tea. Multi-vitamin tablets do not contain PQQ.
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