Are You Minding Your PQQ's? Maybe You Should Be! . . . and exciting, new nutrient.

Article by Arnie Gitomer

PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is an exciting “new” micronutrient that you will be hearing a lot about in the future. Similar to CoQ10, PQQ affects mitochondrial function. The mitochondria are the parts of cell that generate energy. They are often called the “cellular power plants.” They are involved in other critical cellular functions as well, including cell growth. Recent interest has focused on energy, cardiac function, aging, longevity and mental health.
                
While it might seem as if PQQ is similar to CoQ10, there is a difference. Both are powerful antioxidants, and both affect the mitochondria, but they do it in different ways. CoQ10 enhances mitochondrial function, bioenergetically, within the mitochondrial membrane, while PQQ actually stimulates the formation of new mitochondria.

Energy-intensive organs like the heart and brain are heavily dependent on mitochondrial support. They have a very high concentration of mitochondrial “power plants.” PQQ is one of the few tools available to us that can support the formation and health of new mitochondria for these crucial organs.

Indeed, a growing body of research indicates that PQQ’s unique nutritional profile supports heart health and cognitive function—alone and in combination with CoQ10.

PQQ also supports neuronal health through intracellular targets that are distinct from CoQ10 and are largely unprecedented in the realm of nutritional supplementation. For example, PQQ maintains healthy levels of DJ-1, a protein that plays a role in antioxidant defenses in dopaminergic neurons. PQQ also supports the biosynthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF), an important signaling molecule in the brain and sensory nerves. Perhaps the most salient discovery over the past two decades of research on PQQ and neuronal function is its ability to balance activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors. The N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is the primary conduit for excitatory glutamate neurotransmission and is regarded as an important target for maintaining neuronal health. PQQ supports synaptic and intracellular responses by maintaining healthy NMDA receptor activity.

Recent studies indicate that PQQ supports cognitive function. In one study involving rats, PQQ supplementation supported performance in a water maze test. In a randomized, double blind study of 71 middle aged individuals, PQQ supplementation over 12 weeks promoted mental processing. In the same study, a combination of PQQ and CoQ10 was more effective than either agent alone.

PQQ offers wide range neural and cognitive support, including antioxidant activity, mitochondrial synthesis and nerve cell receptor function. While additional clinical investigations are necessary, existing evidence suggests that PQQ provides powerful multifaceted neuroprotection.

Who might benefit from supplementation with PQQ? Future research will no doubt focus on the following health conditions:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Longevity and Aging
- Immune System Function
- Cognitive Decline, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
- Spinal and peripheral nerve damage


References:
(1) Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ): A novel approach to neuroprotection. By Kelly C. Heim, Ph.D. (http://www.pureencapsulations.com/education-research/newscaps/newscap-03-01-10)
(2) Life Extension Foundation Product Literature. (Www.lef.org) (PQQ Caps with BioPQQ®, etc)
(3) Reverse Brain Cell Death by Growing New Mitochondria, by Michelle Flagg. Life Extension Magazine, Nov 2011 (http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2011/nov2011_Reverse-Brain-Cell-Death-by-Growing-New-Mitochondria_01.htm)

    Loss of mitochondrial function is both a cause and a consequence of aging, producing a vicious cycle of oxidative damage that destroys brain cells. While antioxidant intake is critical, researchers now recognize it as only one part of a comprehensive preventive strategy.
    The nutrient PQQ, essential for many forms of life on Earth, comprises a powerful strategy to combat brain aging. PQQ protects mitochondria from cumulative oxidative damage and stimulates growth of healthy new mitochondria, thereby restoring youthful brain cell function.    
    PQQ’s effects on brain mitochondria, coupled with its other beneficial neuroprotective characteristics, make it a natural solution for preserving brain function as you age. Taken together with PQQ’s recently discovered cardioprotection and well-established immune enhancement, there is every reason to include PQQ in your supplement program.

(4) Rejuvenate Your Cells by Growing New Mitochondria, by Kirk Stokel. Life Extension Magazine. (http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2010/ss2010_Rejuvenate-Your-Cells-Growing-New-Mitochondria_01.htm)

---

PQQ Supplements are available from Willner Chemists, from the following companies:

Pure Encapsulations
Life Extension
Jarrow Formulas
Quality of Life

Click here
. . . or, To see a full listing, go to www.willner.com, and enter “pqq” in the “Product Quick Search” box on the upper left side of the home page.
(The two new Jarrow Formulas items may not show up on our web site until April 2, but they are in stock)