Many people are not familiar with what PQQ is. Only within the past decade or so is it that scientists have begun to understand what this essential nutrient’s importance is to human life. PQQ is best described as the defender and protector of the body’s energy-generating mitochondria. Based on new research PQQ is now being classified as a highly effective antioxidant, many times more efficient in sustaining mitochrondrial energy production than other commonly used antioxidant compounds. PQQ is also very unique due to its ability to stimulate the growth of fresh, new mitochondria within the human body. Studies of PQQ have also shown its ability to promote improved memory, concentration, and mental alertness especially when taken in combination with coenzyme Q10.
PQQ was discovered in 1979. Until this discovery it was said that the vitamins and minerals list would have shown to be complete as far as investigators were concerned. Once PQQ was discovered investigators then studied this newly-discovered nutrient which is found in many foods such as tofu, green tea and spinach. PQQ would be shown to be essential to good health. However it wasn’t until 2003 that researchers discovered its biochemical role in the lysine degradation process, and proposed it may belong to the B vitamin complex family. Mitochondria are best known as the energy producers of the cells. These cells work much like the engine of a car. These cells in your body make it so everything functions properly.
Proper mitochondrial function is critical for health and life. On the flip side mitochondrial dysfunction plays a significant part in many types of illnesses including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic Lyme disease, type 2 diabetes, heart failure, as well as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Now many cell biologists believe the quantity and function of mitochondria are key determinants of longevity in human life. So what does PQQ have to do with the mitochondria? The answer to that question is many things. Many studies have found that when mice are deprived of PQQ, they have fewer mitochondria in their tissues of the body. These mice also exhibited stunted growth, compromised immunity, and impaired reproductive capability.
Mitochondria are extremely vulnerable to damage and destruction from free radicals. This is where PQQ comes in and is a super-powerful antioxidant with formidable free-radical scavenging capabilities. It is also an exceptionally stable molecule that is able to do its work successfully without breaking down. PQQ has been shown to be 30 to 5,000 times more efficient in sustaining mitochondrial energy production than the other common antioxidant compounds most people rely on such as ascorbic acid. PQQ is able to perform and stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis which is the growth of fresh, new mitochondria within the human body. This discovery was amazing for individuals of older age who could not perform activities leading to new mitochondria within the human body.
The older we get the more we start to experiencing things like memory loss and cognitive functioning difficulties. This is the result of the increased free radicals and oxidative stress that are taking on our mitochondria. Studies have found that 50% more mitochondrial damage in the brain cells of people over 70 compared to those in middle-aged individuals. When it comes to improving cognitive function and reversing mitochondrial dysfunction, PQQ and CoQ10 could aptly be called the dynamic duo to help reverse any side effects one may be experiencing from declining mitochondria. CoQ10 works to support optimum mitochondrial function while PQQ is busy encouraging the activation of genes that trigger mitochondrial reproduction, protection and repair.
It seems that we are just scratching the surface of the benefits PQQ may provide. In several animal studies PQQ has shown great promise in supporting a reduction of the damage from heart attack, stroke and spinal cord injury. Supplementation with PQQ was associated with a reduced area of cardiac tissue death and improved overall cardiac function. PQQ is being widely used amongst products within the supplementation industry and it will be exciting to see the new breakthroughs of this ingredient.
Here at NutraCap Labs we offer PQQ as one of our premium ingredients. Let us help you formulate your next product for your supplement line using this great ingredient. To get the process started today visit us online at www.nutracapusa.com
