Supplement for a better brain, better aging, and better energy
Who doesn’t want a better brain? Who doesn’t want to age better? No one here, that’s for sure. So let us tell you about a relatively new and awesome supplement.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone, also known as PQQ, is a naturally occurring compound found in soil, certain foods, and human breast milk. Humans are able to synthesize small amounts from amino acids.
OK, so what does it do? Most importantly, it protects the mitochondria, the little energy centers in every cell of the body. Why is that so important? Because healthy mitochondria are necessary for every cell to function. Having mitochondria that don’t perform well is associated with decreased growth, muscle weakness, gastrointestinal issues, increased risk of infection, and neurological problems – seizures, migraines, strokes, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, movement disorders, and dementia.
That’s a lot. Clearly, we don’t want to be low in PQQ. But specifically, what can adding PQQ into your regimen do?
Relieve inflammation – PQQ has antioxidant properties that minimize free radical damage to cells and tissue. Studies show supplementation of 20 mg for just three days lowered the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). A high CRP is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, and high IL-6 is associated with chronic inflammatory disease.
Protect neurons – PQQ has been shown to help protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases, stroke damage, and even the effects of traumatic brain injury. In addition, PQQ encourages the growth of new nerve cells, adding to brain plasticity and helping to improve memory, cognition, and learning. A 2016 study shows PQQ increases blood flow to the brain in the elderly, again helping improve cognition, memory, and learning.
May extend life span – We know mitochondrial function decreases as we age. Many scientists theorize that PQQ might help slow down this process, though more human studies are needed.
May lower cholesterol – A 2015 study gave participants 20 mg daily for 12 weeks and found significant lowering of LDL cholesterol.
May improve sleep – A 2012 Japanese study gave participants 20 mg daily for 8 weeks and found sleep improved significantly. A similar Japanese study done earlier found significant improvement in sleepiness at awakening, sleep onset and maintenance, and sleep duration.
Dose and side effects
Recommended dose is anywhere from 5-20 mg daily. Side effects tend to occur only at higher levels and include headaches, drowsiness, and fatigue. For greatest beneficial effects, most practitioners recommend taking PQQ along with CoQ10, another supplement that benefits mitochondria and energy production.
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