PQQ for mental and physical fitness

The dietary supplement market is booming and its sales are expected to increase significantly in the coming years, which is not surprising. According to Grand View Research, the global dietary supplement market will reach 198.63 billion US dollars by 2026 and continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%. Research and Markets states that the global market for brain health supplements is expected to reach 14.6 billion US dollars by 2026, compared to only 2.3 billion US dollars in 2015.

An antioxidant ingredient found naturally in vegetables, meat and breast milk has been clinically studied for its potential to improve brain health and boost energy levels. The compound, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), appears to activate and increase levels of mitochondria, which are the powerhouse of cells.1 Enhancing the body’s power source

The effects of PQQ on mitochondria has been examined extensively in studies dating back 40 years, and as research has made clear, healthy mitochondrial functioning is essential for cognitive health 2 and physical stamina.3

Mitochondria are found in nearly all types of human cells and are critical for maintaining the body’s metabolic processes and for breaking down cellular waste products. As the body ages, mitochondria decline or become damaged, leading to impairment in cognitive functioning and of vital organs such as the heart.4

PQQ can promote a process known as mitochondrial biogenesis, during which mitochondria divide and multiply. In an animal study, PQQ was proven to stimulate mitochondrial generation at a rate 500 to 1000 times higher than other components that help maintain mitochondrial function. 5 PQQ also seems to enhance a protein called neurotrophic factor (NGF), which consists of 118 amino acid residues and helps regulate the growth, maintenance, proliferation, and survival of certain target neurons. 6 Multiple studies have shown that PQQ may stimulate NGF and may help with the growth and recovery of damaged nerves and organs. 7

Although there are many supplements claiming to support mitochondria, consumers should choose products that have been verified to be effective, well-researched, tested, and safe to meet their health and energy needs.

More than 1,000 studies, including animal and human clinical trials, have been conducted on PQQ to measure its effectiveness and safety. A randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blinded study on 41 healthy elderly subjects who were each administered 20 mg/d of the ingredient for 12 weeks.8 The study showed significant improvements in subjects administered PQQ based on assessments measuring selective attention and visual-spatial cognitive functioning. Another eight-week study on 17 adult female subjects administered 20 mg of PQQ daily showed significant improvements in measurements for vigor, fatigue, tension-anxiety, depression, anger-hostility and confusion.9