What is PQQ?
PQQ, or Pyrroloquinoline quinone, is a new water-soluble vitamin with a variety of biological functions.
Molecular formula C14H6N2O8, is a oxidoreductase coenzyme, is also an essential nutrient for the human body, with surprising physiological effects.
Its effect is similar to that of B vitamins in the human body.
PQQ activates genes responsible for the growth of new mitochondria, thereby maintaining cellular energy throughout the body.
It interacts directly with the genes of the mitochondria to promote the metabolism of sugars and fats.
PQQ can not only promote the growth of mitochondria, but also prolong the life of the active substances synthesized by mitochondria, prevent the active oxidation, and improve the energy utilization rate.
Chemically, PQQ has three carboxylic acid groups, which are used to bind to proteins, and two ketone groups, which are involved in the molecule's REDOX capacity.
What kind of people need PQQ supplements?
(1) Middle-aged and elderly people
(2) People with high intensity work and study pressure
(3) Sub-healthy people with low immunity
(4) Patients with chronic diseases
(5) People who often socialize and drink
(6) People who are in a bad mood and prone to anxiety
Food sources for PQQ
PQQ is found naturally in certain foods, including fruits (such as kiwi, grapefruit), vegetables (such as green peppers, parsley, tomatoes, spinach), meat, fermented foods (such as natto, cheese), tea, and breast milk.
The common flora in the gut also seem likely to synthesize small amounts of PQQ.
PQQ is necessary for normal growth and maintenance of the human body, and supplementation of PQQ may have a positive effect.
Ten effects of PQQ
1. Antioxidant effect
PQQ has a strong antioxidant ability, can remove free radicals, reduce the damage of oxidative stress on the body.
It can go directly inside cells and mitochondria, interact with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and remove them.
PQQ also enhances the activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione transferase (GST), thereby maintaining a stable REDOX environment in vivo.
2. Boost immunity
PQQ can stimulate the growth of human cells, especially activate human B cells and T cells, so that they can produce antibodies and improve the immune function of the human body.
3. Protect cardiovascular health
PQQ can promote lipid metabolism, reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, improve the elasticity of blood vessel wall, and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
4. Improve sleep quality
PQQ can promote the synthesis of melatonin, regulate the biological clock, improve sleep quality, and alleviate problems such as insomnia and anxiety.
5. Promote collagen regeneration
As a cofactor of lysyl oxidase, PQQ provides carbonyl function in the active center of lysyl oxidase, thus promoting the formation and maturation of collagen in the dermis.
PQQ can also directly act on the deep layer of skin cells, protect and restore mitochondria, produce cellular energy (ATP) to support metabolism, and thus stimulate the regeneration of endogenous collagen and elastin in the skin dermis.
6. Prevent and ameliorate neurodegenerative diseases
PQQ can effectively repair nerve fibers, activate neurons, activate dormant nerve cells, can effectively prevent Alzheimer's disease and improve memory.
7. Promote amino acid absorption and growth factor synthesis
PQQ is a cogroup of quinone protease, which is involved in the electron transfer of respiratory chain, and can promote the absorption of amino acids through the action of glucose in human body.
PQQ can also stimulate the normal of human cells, increase the density of cells, improve the body's metabolism and growth.
8. Anti-cancer effect
PQQ can effectively prevent tumor cells from replicating and induce apoptosis. It can also eliminate free radicals to prevent tumors.
The lipid bilayer, which can destroy tumor cells, can cause tumor cells to dissolve and eventually die. Can play a very good anti-cancer effect.
9. Prevent liver damage
PQQ can regulate liver injury, reduce serum bilirubin and alaninase levels, keep liver function normal and prevent liver disease.
10. Whiten and remove wrinkles
PQQ can supplement collagen, reduce the damage of free radicals to the body, promote the absorption of amino acids by the body, effectively improve skin conditions, and have the effect of eliminating wrinkles and whitening.
PQQ application
At present, the common PQQ supplement products on the market are mainly aimed at brain health, sleep aid, energy supplement, oral beauty, pregnancy aid, etc., and are often used in combination with coenzyme Q10, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), sea buckthorn, ginkgo biloba extract, phosphatidylserine (PS) and other raw materials.
In recent years, with the deepening of awareness, PQQ has achieved the most comprehensive efficacy certification and is widely used as a dietary supplement or food in many countries and regions around the world.
From the current application market distribution of PQQ, more or concentrated in overseas markets, often used in energy drinks, sports drinks, electrolyte drinks, nutritional supplements and so on.
Most of them appear in the form of solid drinks, and the end products usually add other functional ingredients in addition to the main components of PQQ to make small doses of drinking products.
As a new raw material, PQQ has been recognized for its positive role in nutrition and health.
Because of its powerful function, high safety and good stability, it has broad development prospects in the field of functional food.
