What Is L-Ergothioneine and Why Is It Being Studied for Healthy Ageing?

At MyVitality, we don’t launch products simply because they are trending. We look at the research first.

When our Chinese distribution partners* asked whether we could supply L-Ergothioneine with PQQ, we initially did what we always do, we reviewed the science. (*we sell our NZ manufactured products into China).

What we found was compelling.

Both L-Ergothioneine and PQQ are nutrients associated with cellular protection and mitochondrial function, two areas increasingly recognised as important in healthy ageing.

What Is L-Ergothioneine?

L-Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative found in foods such as mushrooms. It is absorbed through a specific transporter in the body known as OCTN1, suggesting a defined biological role.

Researchers are increasingly studying ergothioneine because:

• Blood levels tend to decline with age
• Lower levels are associated with markers of cognitive decline
• Higher dietary intake has been linked with lower cardiovascular mortality risk in observational studies

A recent review described ergothioneine as an “underrecognised dietary micronutrient required for healthy ageing.”
(See review on ergothioneine and longevity)

Importantly, these findings are largely observational, and long-term interventional trials are still ongoing.

What Does Ergothioneine Do in the Body?

Ergothioneine is thought to:

• Act as a cytoprotective antioxidant
• Accumulate in tissues exposed to oxidative stress
• Support mitochondrial integrity
• Help maintain redox balance in cells

Because mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are hallmarks of biological ageing, nutrients that influence these pathways are attracting scientific interest.

(See research on ergothioneine and cognitive health)

What Is PQQ and How Does It Support Mitochondrial Function?

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a redox cofactor found in small amounts in certain foods.

Research suggests PQQ may:

• Support mitochondrial biogenesis (the creation of new mitochondria)
• Influence cellular energy production pathways
• Contribute to oxidative stress regulation

(See research on PQQ and mitochondrial function)

Mitochondria are responsible for generating cellular energy (ATP), and mitochondrial efficiency naturally changes with age.

Why Combine Ergothioneine and PQQ?

Ergothioneine and PQQ support different but complementary aspects of cellular health:

Together, they provide a multi-pathway approach to supporting normal cellular function in healthy adults.

Is There Human Research on Ergothioneine Supplementation?

Early human studies suggest:

• Supplementation appears safe and well tolerated
• Preliminary signals in older adults include improvements in memory and sleep measures

(See human ergothioneine supplementation research)

However, larger and longer trials are needed to confirm clinical outcomes.

Who Might Consider L-Ergothioneine + PQQ?

This product may be of interest to adults who:

• Are focused on long-term healthy ageing
• Are interested in mitochondrial health
• Already use NAD+ supporting nutrients such as NMN
• Prefer capsule format supplementation

As with all supplements, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Product Details

Each capsule contains:

• 30 mg L-Ergothioneine
• 5 mg PQQ

60 capsules per bottle
Manufactured in New Zealand and a GMP facility

View L-Ergothioneine + PQQ Capsules