Have you been looking for something that could take your performance to the next level? It’s something that many people have been searching for as they’ve become more serious about their health.
Unfortunately, this search often leads to dead ends or scams. However, there might be a solution that’s so small, it’s only visible with a high-powered microscope.
Meet pyrroloquinoline quinone, or PQQ for short. PQQ is a small molecule that works wonders at the cellular level, maintaining our cellular health and energy.
Today, we’re diving into the microscopic world of PQQ. We’ll talk about what is, where you can find it, some of the benefits, and why it’s a key ingredient in several of our products.
What Is PQQ?
Pyrroloquinoline quinone, or PQQ as it's more commonly known, was first discovered in 1979 during an investigation into the bacterial enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. It's a small yet mighty molecule that packs a powerful punch in the realm of cellular health and energy production.
PQQ's unique chemical structure allows it to act as a powerful antioxidant, capable of enduring multiple oxidation and reduction cycles. In other words, this means it can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body over and over again without losing its effectiveness, a trait that sets it apart from other antioxidants.
While PQQ isn’t considered essential to life, a deficiency can have significant impacts on overall health. It can lead to slowed growth, compromised immunity, impaired metabolism, and reduced reproductive capability. While PQQ deficiency is rare due to its presence in many foods, getting enough of it is important for optimal health and function.
What Are the Natural Sources of PQQ?
PQQ is naturally found in a lot of different foods, so it’s practically a guarantee that you’ve been experiencing its benefits for most of your life. If you’re looking for a quick way to contribute to your overall cellular health by supplying your body with PQQ, then you can increase your dietary intake.
Here are a few foods that naturally contain PQQ:
- Green peppers
- Parsley
- Kiwi
- Papaya
- Tofu
- Spinach
- Napa cabbage
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Green tea
- Miso
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Oolong tea
What Does PQQ Do in the Body?
PQQ's primary role in the body involves cellular energy production. It works within the mitochondria — the powerhouses of our cells — to optimize the process of energy creation. PQQ can support the efficiency of these energy factories, helping to maximize the amount of energy produced from the nutrients we consume.
This cellular spark plug doesn't stop there. PQQ also encourages the creation of new mitochondria and protects existing ones from oxidative damage, ensuring our cells have a steady, reliable energy source. This is key for maintaining overall health and vitality, as every bodily function relies on cellular energy.
What Are the Health Benefits of PQQ?
PQQ might be a tiny molecule, but it comes with a bunch of big benefits, as it plays a vital role in several aspects of our health. Adding a little more PQQ into your daily routine can go a long way.
Here are just a few examples of the many health benefits of PQQ.
Encourages Energy Production
PQQ is a powerful cellular energizer. As we mentioned earlier, its primary role involves supporting mitochondrial function — the tiny powerhouses within our cells responsible for generating energy.
PQQ can support the performance of these cellular factories, optimizing the conversion of nutrients into usable energy. This increase in cellular energy production can potentially alleviate feelings of fatigue and provide a noticeable boost in overall energy levels.
By acting as a spark plug for your cells, PQQ ensures your body's engine keeps running smoothly and efficiently, providing you with the energy you need to thrive.
Supports Brain Health
The brain, one of the most complex and important organs in our bodies, can greatly benefit from PQQ.
For starters, PQQ exhibits neuroprotective properties, shielding our neurons — the cells responsible for transmitting information in the brain — from oxidative damage. This protection can help maintain the health and function of existing neurons.
Not only that, PQQ can encourage the growth of new neurons, a process known as neurogenesis. This function is crucial for learning, memory, and overall cognitive function.
The combined effect of protecting existing neurons and supporting the growth of new ones can pave the way for sharp memory, focused attention, and healthy cognitive processing.
Bolsters Heart Health
Heart health is another area where PQQ shines. Its powerful antioxidant properties can help combat oxidative stress, which can cause damage to the cells in the heart.
Oxidative stress can lead to swelling and the formation of plaque in the arteries, which can cause long-term health problems. PQQ's antioxidant action can help protect against this damage, supporting the overall health of your heart.
Plus, PQQ helps maintain cholesterol and blood pressure levels within a healthy range, further supporting heart health.
Weight Management
PQQ may also play a supportive role in weight management. It's believed to influence metabolism — the process by which our bodies convert food into energy.
By optimizing this process, PQQ could potentially aid in maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, PQQ may help prevent the accumulation of fat by influencing the way our bodies store and use energy.
While it's not a weight loss product, PQQ can complement a balanced diet and regular exercise, providing an additional tool in your weight management strategy.
Sleep Support
Sleep is a fundamental pillar of health, and PQQ may play a vital role in supporting this restorative process. It’s believed to influence important neurotransmitters involved in the sleep-wake cycle, helping to encourage healthy sleep patterns and a restful night's sleep.
PQQ may also reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, an issue many people struggle with, known as sleep latency. By supporting a healthy sleep/wake cycle, PQQ can help you transition into sleep more quickly, maximizing your rest time.
Additionally, PQQ may bolster sleep efficiency, which is the proportion of time spent asleep compared to the total time spent in bed. Having healthy sleep efficiency can lead to restful and revitalizing sleep, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized upon waking.
Promotes Reproductive Health
Reproductive health is a critical aspect of overall health and well-being, and PQQ may offer support in this area. It plays a role in the complex reproductive processes, providing support to both male and female reproductive health.
For men, PQQ may support sperm health. The high energy demand of sperm makes them particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage. PQQ's powerful antioxidant properties can protect sperm cells, helping to maintain their health and functionality.
For women, PQQ may support egg health. Just like sperm, eggs also have a high energy demand and can be susceptible to oxidative damage. PQQ can provide protective support, helping to maintain egg health and vitality.
Plus, PQQ's role in energy production may support overall reproductive health. The reproductive processes, from the development of reproductive cells to the stages of pregnancy, require a significant amount of energy. By supporting cellular energy production, PQQ can help ensure these processes have the energy they need to function optimally.
Boosts Immune Function
Lastly, PQQ can give your immune system a much-needed boost. The immune system relies heavily on cellular energy to function effectively, and PQQ's role in energy production can provide this essential support.
By protecting cells from oxidative damage — a process that can weaken the immune system — and supporting energy production, PQQ ensures your immune system has the strength and energy it needs to defend your body against illness and infection.
With PQQ, you're not just supporting your health — you're fortifying your body's defenses, helping you stay strong, healthy, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.
How Can You Take PQQ?
As we went over earlier, PQQ is found in a wide variety of foods. Eating more of those foods will increase your PQQ intake and provide you with all the benefits listed above. However, there’s another option for getting more PQQ that's way more convenient: L’Evate You gummies.
We offer two gummies, and both of them prominently feature PQQ. Here’s a detailed breakdown of your soon-to-be favorite daily supplements.
Digestive Health
Recognizing the significant role that gut health plays in our well-being, we’ve designed our Digestive Health gummy to be a delicious, rejuvenating probiotic. This powerful supplement not only aids in alleviating bloating and occasional abdominal discomfort but also provides an energy boost to keep you active and vibrant.
Our gummies, enriched with PQQ and our unique M-Charge Complex, are designed to support your digestive health, encourage energy production, and foster a thriving microbiome. This scientifically-backed blend is also aimed at supporting your body's mitochondrial production, bolstering cellular repair, and supporting energy levels.
Plus, our M-Charge Complex is complemented by Bacillus Coagulans, a probiotic that supports a balanced microbiome and encourages digestive health.
Alert & Focus
The brain, being the most important organ in your body, deserves special care and attention. Our Alert + Focus gummy is created to support brain function and encourage learning, memory, and focus. Whether you're gearing up for a significant meeting or simply looking for a tasty supplement to support your brain power, Alert + Focus is ready to be a part of your daily health routine.
This brain-friendly formula is also powered by PQQ and our exclusive M-Charge Complex, as well as other key ingredients. For example, it features huperzine A, a natural compound known to support healthy levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which are important for learning and memory. ElevATP, made with ancient peat and apple extract, is another key ingredient that can support cognitive performance.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated With PQQ?
While PQQ is generally considered safe, some people may experience minor side effects.
Digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or stomach upset can sometimes occur. Headaches, fatigue, and insomnia have also been reported, although these are less common. Dizziness is another possible side effect, but it's usually mild and temporary.
Allergic reactions to PQQ are rare but can occur. Symptoms may include itching, rash, or difficulty breathing. Also, if you take medication, it's generally a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting PQQ, as it can interact with certain drugs.
The Takeaway
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a small molecule that can have a big impact on your health. It supports cellular energy production, brain health, heart health, weight management, sleep, reproductive health, and immune function, making it an invaluable addition to your health stack.
While PQQ is found in many foods, you can easily increase your intake with our gummies. Our Digestive Health and Alert & Focus gummies are both enriched with PQQ and our unique M-Charge Complex, providing a convenient and tasty way to support your wellness from the inside out.
Sources:
The Neuroprotective Effect of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone on Traumatic Brain Injury | PMC
Pyrroloquinoline-Quinone To Reduce Fat Accumulation and Ameliorate Obesity Progression | PMC
PQQ Dietary Supplementation Prevents Alkylating Agent-Induced Ovarian Dysfunction in Mice | PMC
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Longevity Vitamin Pqq | UC Berkeley College of Chemistry