PQQ Supplement Information

PQQ - What is it?

PQQ, or pyrroloquinoline quinone, is a cofactor. PQQ is also known as methoxatin. Cofactors are “helper molecules” that are needed by some enzymes for proper function. These enzymes are called quinoproteins and carry out a number of different roles, including the regulation of glucose in the blood and protection of free-radical induced damage. In addition to its role as a cofactor, PQQ appears to exert an antioxidant and neuro-protective effect.

PQQ Food Sources

The best food sources of PQQ appear to be celery, natto, the kiwi fruit, potatoes and other tubers, parsley, legumes, spinach and papaya. A number of PQQ supplements are also available.

PQQ Supplement Benefits

A number of scientific studies back the benefits of using a PQQ supplement. These include:

Neuro-Protection

Taking a PQQ supplement was found to protect against memory loss in both aging rodents and humans. It was found to improve scores in memory tests and there is also an indication that it may reverse mental impairment in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s. This is believed to be due to PQQ releasing nerve growth factor in cells associated with brain neurons, thereby healing them from damage that occurs with age. In addition, in animal studies PQQ was found to protect the brain against the damage that occurs following a stroke. PQQ can also protect the brain tissue from toxins such as mercury that are sometimes found in fish such as tuna and marlin.

Mental Performance

Taking a PQQ supplement was found to enhance mental performance in healthy adults. The parameters tested were memory, attention, and mental working ability (“sharpness”). PQQ supplementation in middle aged people was found to double their performance in memory tests.

Heart Health

PQQ supplements can protect against heart muscle dysfunction and against the damage that occurs after a heart attack. Taking a PQQ supplement can also enhance the protective action of metoprolol medication. In addition, PQQ has the potential to reduce lipid peroxidation, a causative factor in atherosclerosis.

Antioxidant

PQQ functions as an anti-oxidant, protecting against free-radical induced damage. This damage causes chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer, and is associated with the signs of aging. According to the University of California at Davis, a PQQ supplement is superior to a vitamin C one for antioxidant benefits.

Mitochondrial Protection

The mitochondria are important organelles in our cells that metabolise nutrients to provide us with energy. PQQ protects mitochondria from oxidative stress and can stimulate the generation of new mitochondria in aging cells, a process called mitochondrial biogenesis.

PQQ Supplement Dosage

The majority of human studies used a PQQ supplement dose of 10 to 20 mg per day, sometimes more. Most supplements use this as the standard dose. The current recommendation is that you take 10 mg of PQQ once or twice daily. It may be beneficial to split the dose (i.e. 10 mg in the morning and 10 mg in the evening).

Recommended PQQ Supplement

At the moment the availability of PQQ supplements is limited to a few manufacturers. Of the ones available, Life Extension is the most reputable one, and they have a vast range of health products. Their Bio PQQ supplement is currently priced at less than $15 for a one month supply (at 10 mg per day).

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.PQQ - The New Vitamin in 2003, PQQ was identified as the new vitamin for mammals