What is Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)?

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone or PQQ is a compound that exists in plants as well as many bacteria and single-cell eukaryotes, such as yeast. PQQ also exists naturally in human breast milk as well as fermented soybeans, kiwi, papaya, spinach, parsley, oolong, green pepper and green tea. Research done on animals has linked insufficient PQQ or PQQ shortage with a compromised immune response, growth impairment, abnormal reproductive performance and reduced metabolic flexibility.For many years, researchers thought Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) is a type of vitamin.

However, research done over the last few years has revealed that Pyrroloquinoline Quinone is a nutrient with vitamin-like qualities that has the capacity to act as a co-factor or enzyme booster in the reduction-oxidation process which involves the transfer of electrons between two species. In simple words, PQQ binds itself with quinoproteins present in the body and works in collaboration with them to get rid of the free radicals. A research study found quinoproteins to be 100 times more effective than Vitamin – C as an anti-oxidant. Recent studies have also revealed that PQQ affects energy transfer and cellular metabolism by increasing the total number of mitochondria within the body. It is these important facts that have caused a sudden rise in the popularity of Pyrroloquinoline quinone in recent years.

PQQ Has Been Linked with Improved Overall Energy

Mitochondria are tiny organelles that exist within the cells and are often referred to as cell powerhouses as they release energy from food, thereby providing the energy the cells need to do their function.

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone allows mitochondria to work better,thereby leading to increased energy production within the cells. This increased energy within the cells eventually finds its way to the entire body, in turn leading to more stamina and overall energy. If you often experience lethargy or low energy, PQQ supplements will help you boost your energy levels.

Mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondria are the power centers of your cells. Problems with your mitochondria can lead to heart problems, diabetes, and cancer. Data shows that PQQ helps to make more mitochondria.

One study tested PQQ supplements in men who did aerobic exercise for 6 weeks. It increased mitochondria by affecting certain proteins during exercise. Another study showed that dietary PQQ raised mitochondria activity.

Mitochondria are found in most cells and play an important role in converting food into energy. Mitochondrial health is vital for cellular function and is the foundation of a healthy life. Studies done show that PQQ could help the mitochondria to function at their best, and support the development of new mitochondria.

These potential health benefits result in more usable energy to tolerate stress, protect against disease, and support proper functioning throughout the day.

It Improves Nerve Growth Factors

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone interacts with cellular pathways and in the process, invariably positively affects nerve growth factors. This, in turn, leads to enhanced development of neuronal cells and nerves in the cranial tissue. Thus, PQQ is often linked with improved brain function. Since NGF dysregulation is often linked with Alzheimer’s disease, PQQ supplements are often prescribed to aid the treatment of age-related conditions. PQQ intake has been linked with reduced stress, which in turn, leads to enhanced cognitive function and improvements to memory. Research studies have been conducted to study how PQQ affects memory. A research study found that PQQ works in collaboration with CoQ10, a coenzyme that works as an antioxidant that boosts metabolism and protects cells from damage. PQQ in combination with CoQ10 has shown to improve memory function.