PQQ: A New Antioxidant Star – Improving Cognition and Sleep?
What is PQQ?
PQQ, or pyrroloquinoline quinone, is a naturally occurring, vitamin-like substance found in nature and food. It was first discovered as a cofactor for bacterial dehydrogenases, and later found to be very important for cell metabolism and energy production.
Which foods contain PQQ?
Importantly, PQQ is present in a variety of dietary sources, including fermented soybeans (natto), tea, green peppers, parsley, kiwi fruit, and breast milk. It is currently believed that PQQ in plants and animals originates from microbial synthesis, while humans obtain it through their diet.
Proven Efficacy of PQQ
PQQ is widely distributed in nature and affects various physiological and biochemical processes, with the following proven effects:
1. Antioxidant effect
PQQ is a powerful antioxidant; the reduced form of PQQ has 7.4 times higher free radical scavenging activity than vitamin C. Animal studies have confirmed that PQQ acts as an antioxidant, protecting mitochondria from oxidative stress-induced damage in experimental models of cardiovascular or cerebral ischemia.
Nerve cells are easily damaged by oxidative stress, and PQQ can protect cells from damage by scavenging free radicals. A small clinical study on memory also indicated that daily supplementation with 20 mg of PQQ helped optimize cognitive function test performance; the results were even more significant in the group receiving PQQ (20 mg) plus coenzyme Q10 (300 mg), although more evidence is needed to confirm the link between PQQ and cognitive function.
3. Improved sleep quality
In a small clinical trial involving 17 women, the effects of PQQ on stress, fatigue, quality of life, and sleep were evaluated. After eight consecutive weeks of taking 20 mg of PQQ, participants showed significant improvements in mood and sleep quality. IV. Potential for Regulating Blood Lipids
Animal studies have shown that supplementing the diet with PQQ can improve metabolic balance, and in diabetic rats, it has been found to improve blood lipid levels by enhancing mitochondrial function. However, there is currently a lack of strong evidence from clinical trials. Only one study, involving 29 Japanese adults who received PQQ for 6 and 12 weeks, found no change in total serum cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-chol) showed a slight but significant decrease.
Market Trends: The Next "Health Darling"
1. Brain Health Demand
With an aging population, improving memory and preventing cognitive decline have become essential needs, and PQQ is widely used in "brain-boosting" supplements.
2. Athletic Performance
Fitness enthusiasts use PQQ to improve endurance and energy recovery.
3. Regulatory Liberalization
In China, PQQ was approved as a novel food ingredient in 2023, marking the official start of its application in functional foods and beverages.
anna@hihealthbio.com