PQQ Benefits for Health, Energy & Cognitive Function

PQQ benefits are purported to include increased energy levels, resistance to fatigue, protecting from certain forms of cellular damage and anti-aging effects.

PQQ, also known as pyrroloquinoline quinone, is a vitamin-like molecule that helps the body maintain healthy energy levels. This molecule plays a role in important body functions, including brain function and heart function.

In some studies, PQQ has been shown to increase the number of mitochondria in the body and well as supporting mitochondrial function. This has a direct effect on energy levels as these organelles are responsible for metabolizing stored energy and producing ATP – our cellular fuel.

The health benefits of PQQ have not been well studied in human research trials. Most of the available research has looked at the effects on in vitro samples or in animals.

PQQ

Nutrient Supplement

Heart Health

Cognitive Function

Anti-Aging

How It Works:

• Promotes mitochondrial biogenesis
• Supports heart health & cognitive function
• Anti-oxidant for anti-aging benefits

Dosage:

Between 20 - 40 mg per day

Safety:

Limited Research

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Health Benefits of PQQ

Certain types of foods serve as good sources of PQQ, including fermented foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut. Other foods that contain these molecules include beans, potatoes and green tea.

PQQ can also be taken as a supplement to increase the availability of this nutrient in the body. PQQ supplements are used for a number of different reasons.

Those who suffer from fatigue may take PQQ for its energy-boosting benefits. Other uses for PQQ supplements include improving memory and other cognitive abilities, promoting healthy heart function and losing excess weight.

PQQ is also used by some to improve egg quality for fertility, lower the risk of dementia or manage symptoms of multiple sclerosis and autism. However, more research is needed to rate the efficacy of PQQ for these purported benefits.

How Does PQQ Work?

What does PQQ do and how does it work? This molecule plays an important part in ensuring that mitochondria are able to function efficiently. The mitochondria are the power generation stations of our cells and the predominant site of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) production.

ATP is the primary fuel source used by our cells. It is a coenzyme that provides the energy used in our cellular processes.

Mitochondria are responsible for ensuring that nutrients from food are broken down and converted into the ATP energy that the body needs in order to function. An increase in mitochondrial output helps ensure that more nutrients are turned into energy, leading to higher energy levels and reduced fatigue.

PQQ also works with coenzyme Q10, another type of molecule involved in the electron transport chain. CoQ10 helps these mitochondria work at optimal efficiency, especially in the organs of the body that require high amounts of energy – like the heart, liver and kidney.

Additional benefits of PQQ are attributed to its ability activates genes that cause the mitochondria to reproduce and to repair themselves. The presence of PQQ has also been shown to leads to a higher number of mitochondria, in a process known as mitochondriogenesis.

This has been described as a potential anti-aging mechanism; however, more research is needed to validate the anti-aging claims for this supplement.

Effects of PQQ Supplements

Very few studies have focused on the effects of exogenous PQQ supplements on the human body. Most of this research has been done on animal subjects instead, such as rats. Due to this lack of research, the evidence for the potential effects of PQQ supplements on humans is considered insufficient to rate.

There have been studies that have shown some promise in terms of PQQ’s ability to boost cognition. Human subjects who ate foods that were fortified with PQQ for 12 weeks had improved short-term memory, according to the results of a 2009 study. [2]

A 2011 study that followed up on this research provided further support for the link between PQQ and improved cognitive function. [3]

PQQ is also being considered in the treatment of fertility problems. PQQ benefits for fertility are said to improve the quality of eggs in women who have difficulty conceiving due to poor egg quality.

PQQ and its potential effects on the risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is also being studied.

In a 2008 study using rats, researchers found that PQQ helped lower the risk of cognitive decline caused by free radicals or oxidative stress. [4] PQQ research studies for Alzheimer’s and dementia on humans have not been conducted, however.

PQQ has also shown properties that resemble antioxidants, which are molecules that help reduce damage caused by free radicals or oxidants. Free radicals might play a role in raising the risk of serious diseases, including cancer, according to MedlinePlus. [1] PQQ is not considered an antioxidant, though, since it has also shown oxidizing effects.

How to Use PQQ Supplements

PQQ comes in different forms for oral use, including capsules and tablets. Those who are considering using these supplements should talk to their doctor about the right dosage.

No standard dosages have been established for these supplements, although many products contain between 10 and 40 MG of PQQ.

PQQ supplements can be used with CoQ10 to promote healthy mitochondrial activity in the body. This may theoretically enhance the benefits associated with the individual use of these supplements, but research is needed to confirm a synergistic effect.

A large percentage of consumers who take these products have reported that they have been effective at improving cognition. A small percentage reported that these supplements did not have a benefit for cognition.

Side Effects of PQQ Supplements

PQQ is not currently associated with any known side effects, but this is mainly due to a lack of research involving human subjects. This is also a relatively new supplement, so the long-term effects on consumers, if any, are unknown at this time.

There is also no information available on potential drug interactions when taking PQQ supplements.

PQQ is found naturally in the human diet and is likely safe at dosages equivalent to those derived from common food sources.

Those who want to take higher dose supplements should see their doctor in order to weigh the benefits of taking PQQ with any possible risks. Consulting with a doctor helps ensure that there is a low risk of adverse reactions or other problems for those who have an underlying medical condition or those who take medications or other types of supplements.

Parents who are considering using PQQ supplements for children with autism should only do so after talking to their pediatrician. Side effects and adverse reactions from medications and supplements can be more serious in children.

Although there are no known risks linked to PQQ use, parents should note that there is currently a lack of sufficient data on the benefits of PQQ supplements in children.

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