What is pqq good for?
PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is frequently referred to as the longevity vitamin. And this nickname definitely has some justifiable reasons behind it. PQQ may help improve mental focus, increase energy—and yes, even help you live longer! So, how does PQQ do this? Where does it come from? Should you start incorporating this supplement into your regular regime? Let’s find out.
What is PQQ?
PQQ, which is short for Pyrroloquinoline quinone, is a relatively new discovery as one of the most powerful chemicals on earth, with its incredible spectrum of potential health benefits. Since its discovery, it has drawn much attention for the unusual antioxidant properties that it brings in boosting cellular energy by supporting mitochondrial function that is the real "engine" of our cells.
This compound not only saves cells from oxidative damage but also encourages the generation of new mitochondria. So it is quite important to keep energy at a good level, avoid fatigue, and maintain general vitality. Research says that PQQ has supportive effects toward promoting cognitive function and enhancing support for brain health and memory with properties of neuroprotection. Its potential to promote cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy aging makes it an exciting supplement for long-term wellbeing. With this varied action, PQQ is being explored as a modulator in maintaining cellular health, preventing age-related decline, and optimizing energy metabolism - hence a portal to better health.
PQQ is a compound similar to vitamins that is found in kiwis, spinach, soybeans, human breastmilk, and soil. It’s actually produced by bacteria. In fact, within bacteria, PQQ helps break down alcohol and sugar and turn them into energy. Many plants end up with PQQ from absorption via the soil.
Understanding PQQ: A Deep Dive into its Origins and Properties
PQQ, Pyrroloquinoline quinone, is such a strange compound that has lately been at the center of much debate in its potential role as a strong antioxidant as well as an agent for cellular health. Although originally first found as isolated bacteria, where it acts as a cofactor for enzyme-catalyzed reactions, PQQ has since been found in other food sources and the human body. PQQ has various health benefits including:
PQQ, or Pyrroloquinoline Quinone, is one of the major nutrients used in helping promote cell energy and preventing oxidative stress. This compound is essential to general health and wellness and gives numerous benefits to different systems of the body.
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Enhances mitochondrial activity: It stimulates the development and the activity of mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells, bringing a boost in energy levels and less fatigue.
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Acts as a strong antioxidant: It neutralizes free radicals that will take away oxidation from the cells, hence retarding the aging process.
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Helps with cognitive functions: It enhances the growth of neurons and nerve cells leading to better memory, learning, and even the health of the brain.
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Improves cardiovascular well-being: Lowers inflammation and bad cholesterol (LDL) thereby helps heart functions while reducing the occurrence of heart disease.
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Boosts immunity: Reduces oxidative stress as well as inflammation thereby enhancing body functions to fight against infections as well as keep the body in good health.
PQQ vs. Other Antioxidants: Comparing the Benefits for Your Health
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone, abbreviated to PQQ, is an antioxidant with many of its own properties, which are different and unique. Here is the breakdown of the benefits between PQQ and other antioxidants for your health:
Aspect |
PQQ (Pyrrolo-quinoline Quinone) |
Vitamin C |
Vitamin E |
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) |
Primary Function |
Mitochondrial biogenesis, cellular energy, neuro-protection |
Immune support, collagen production |
Protects cell membranes, skin & eye health |
Supports heart health, cellular energy |
Antioxidant Type |
Potent antioxidant, long-lasting |
Water-soluble antioxidant |
Fat-soluble antioxidant |
Fat-soluble antioxidant |
Mitochondrial Support |
Creates new mitochondria, improves energy |
No direct mitochondrial benefits |
No direct mitochondrial benefits |
Improves mitochondrial efficiency |
Cognitive Benefits |
Promotes neuron growth, protects brain health |
Minor cognitive support |
Minimal cognitive support |
Limited cognitive support |
Heart Health |
Reduces oxidative stress, supports heart cells |
Limited heart health benefits |
Protects blood vessels, reduces inflammation |
Protects heart cells, improves blood flow |
Immune System |
Reduces oxidative stress, secondary immune support |
Strong immune booster |
Moderate immune support |
Moderate immune support |
Skin Health |
General antioxidant protection |
Promotes collagen, supports skin healing |
Protects skin cells from damage |
Limited skin benefits |
Duration of Effects |
Long-lasting effects |
Short-lived, needs frequent replenishment |
Medium-lasting in lipid regions |
Medium-lasting effects |
Anti-Aging Properties |
Reduces oxidative stress, promotes cellular health |
Supports collagen for youthful skin |
Reduces skin aging, protects cell membranes |
Protects mitochondria from aging damage |
Best For |
Enhancing cellular energy, brain health, longevity |
Boosting immunity, skin healing |
Skin, eye health, anti-inflammation |
Heart health, mitochondrial efficiency |
Typical Dosage |
10-20 mg/day |
500-1000 mg/day |
15-30 mg/day |
100-200 mg/day |
All the antioxidants bring many benefits to your body, yet PQQ is highly unique because of its role in enhancing the functioning of mitochondria, contributing to brain health, and providing long-term protection from oxidative damage. If you want to increase energy in cells and cognitive ability, PQQ may be the better choice for you.
Skin Health: Can PQQ Improve Your Complexion and Reduce Aging?
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) has several ways of improving your complexion and reducing aging: it can fix cellular energy, help with brain health and impact the skin positively through its myriad anti-aging and anti-wrinkle properties:
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Reduces Oxidative Stress: PQQ is an extremely powerful antioxidant that rids the body of free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative damage and preventing wrinkles and dullness.
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It stimulates the increase of collagen, and maintains in the tissue levels, thus providing firmer and smoother skin.
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Enhances Cellular Energy: PQQ enhances mitochondrial functions that help in cell repair and regeneration by giving it a younger look.
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Antioxidant/anti-inflammatory: Therefore, this eradicates the irritation and redness emanating from aging.
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Environmental Damage: The substance protects the skin from damage through UV radiation and pollution, thus retaining its youthfulness as it should.
The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial-enhancing properties of PQQ should help improve skin health through protective effects against oxidative stress, increased production of collagen, lesser inflammation, and cell repair. While more research needs to be conducted to determine its particular benefit to the skin, these facts about PQQ are indeed promising ways to enhance complexion and dim.
Brain Function: Examining the Cognitive Benefits of PQQ
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) has been gaining more interest regarding the benefits in cognitive benefits, given its neuroprotective and mitochondrial-enhancing properties. The following explain how PQQ supports brain function and cognitive well-being:
- Neuroprotection: PQQ has very potent antioxidant properties used to protect neurons' cells in the brain from oxidative stress, which is highly implicated in the neurodegenerative diseases of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- Mitochondrial Biogenesis: PQQ stimulates the production of new mitochondria within the cells of the brain. Since energy is produced within the mitochondria, an increase in numbers would enhance the performance of the brain. This would enhance mental clarity and attention, thereby enhancing the metabolism of energy within the brain.
- Neurogenesis: PQQ stimulates the production of NGF, that catalyzes growth, sustenance and survival of neurons. It hence fosters brain plasticity in general, for learning purposes as well as for the formation of memory.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chronic brain inflammation has been linked to impaired cognitive function. Inhibition of inflammation-related processes would likely inhibit the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and age-associated loss of memory.
- Cognitive Function and Memory: Supplementation with PQQ has been demonstrated to improve memory, attention, and executive function in clinical studies both in healthy participants and those with impaired cognitive function.
Given the advantages of such as enhanced brain energy, neuron protection, and cognitive functions support, the potential of PQQ in improving memory, concentration, and brain health, in general, is promising as an additive agent.
Conclusion
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is more than just a nutrient—it’s a powerful compound with profound effects on cellular energy, mitochondrial health, and overall well-being. From enhancing brain function and supporting memory to boosting energy production, improving cardiovascular health, and acting as a strong antioxidant, PQQ shows promise as a multifunctional supplement. While more long-term clinical studies are needed, the current evidence highlights its potential role in promoting healthy aging, protecting against oxidative stress, and supporting cognitive vitality.
For those seeking to naturally support energy metabolism, brain performance, and long-term cellular health, PQQ supplementation may be a valuable addition to a wellness routine. However, as with all dietary supplements, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before starting, especially for individuals with medical conditions or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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References
- Jonscher KR, et al. Early PQQ supplementation has persistent long-term protective effects on developmental programming of hepatic lipotoxicity and inflammation in obese mice. FASEB J. 2017 Apr;31(4):1434-1448.
- Harris CB, et al. Dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) alters indicators of inflammation and mitochondrial-related metabolism in human subjects. J Nutr Biochem. 2013 Dec;24(12):2076-2084.
- Brand MD, et al. The role of mitochondrial function and cellular bioenergetics in ageing and disease. Br J Dermatol. 2013 Jul;169(Supp 2):1-8.
- Mecocci P, et al. Oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA shows marked age-dependent increases in human brain. Ann Neurol. 1993 Oct;34(4):609-616.
- Aizenman E, et al. Interaction of the putative essential nutrient pyrroloquinoline quinone with the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor redox modulatory site. J Neurosci. 1992 Jun;12(6):2362-2369.
- Bauerly K, et al. Altering pyrroloquinoline quinone nutritional status modulates mitochondrial, lipid, and energy metabolism in rats. PLoS One. 2011;6(7):e21779.
- Ohwada K, et al. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) prevents cognitive deficit caused by oxidative stress in rats. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2008 Jan;42(1):29-34.
- Zhang P, et al. Protection of pyrroloquinoline quinone against methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity via reducing oxidative stress. Free Radic Res. 2009 Mar;43(3):224-233.
- Itoh Y, et al. Effect of the antioxidant supplement pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt (BioPQQ™) on cognitive functions. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016;876:319-325.
- Nakano M, et al. Effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt intake on the serum cholesterol levels of healthy Japanese adults. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2015;61(3):233-240.