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PQQ is showing great promise as a powerful brain nutrient.
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on Brain Support
One of the great pleasure of hosting HealthQuestPodcast.com is exploring the science of nutrition and introducing that science to my listeners. It’s not often that we are introducing a nutrient that you may never have heard of. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) could be one of those nutrients. I’ve been following this nutrient for several years. I first learned about PQQ in 2013 in one of my interviews. I got excited about it then and I’m even more excited now.
I recently attended a presentation with Dr. Michael Murray and his topic was PQQ. I was again impressed by the benefits and the emerging science on PQQ and I wanted to bring this nutrient to your attention. It is important to note that we are discussing a specific trademarked, clinically studied form of PQQ called BioPQQ. When you want the results that are shown in the studies use the form and dosage that was used in the studies. You can always try PQQ and see for yourself how it benefits you.
The following is an excerpt from DoctorMurray.com.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a novel vitamin-like compound found in plant foods that is showing a wide range of benefits to brain and body function based upon preclinical studies and initial clinical evaluation.1 Although PQQ is not currently viewed as a vitamin, it is likely to be considered an essential nutrient in the future.
What exactly does PQQ do?
PQQ stimulates growth and serves as a cofactor for a special class of enzymes involved in cellular function including cellular growth, development, differentiation, and survival.
PQQ is also as an extremely powerful antioxidant capable of catalyzing continuous cycling (the ability to perform repeated oxidation and reduction reactions) to a much greater degree compared to other antioxidants. For example, PQQ is able to carry out 20,000 catalytic conversions compared to only 4 for vitamin C.
PQQ an essential nutrient?
Based upon the current research there is no question that it plays a critical role in human nutrition.1,4When PQQ is omitted from chemically defined diets in mammals it leads to growth impairment, compromised immune status, and abnormal reproductive function.5 The nutritional requirements of PQQ are probably in line with folic acid and biotin in terms of micrograms per day versus milligrams per day. Like essential nutrients, the immune system seems particularly sensitive to low levels of PQQ. With PQQ deprivation there are multiple defects in immune function and loss of white blood cells to respond properly.1
What is the most important function of PQQ?
One key action of PQQ involves a direct action on key enzymes involved in the energy producing compartments in our cells – the mitochondria. As a result PQQ improves energy production.1,6 In addition to PQQ’s powerful antioxidant effect protects against mitochondrial damage. But, PQQ not only protects mitochondria from oxidative stress—it also promotes the spontaneous generation of new mitochondria within aging cells, a process known as mitochondrial biogenesis or mitochondriogenesis.1,7,8 This effect is a “fountain of youth” for mitochondrial function.
What are the clinical uses of PQQ?
Given the nutritional importance and tremendous span of physiological effects of PQQ, there are considerable benefits in conditions that revolve around low mitochondrial function including in aging, many brain and neurological disease (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease), and many other chronic degenerative disease. Current research has primarily focused on its ability to protect memory and cognition in both aging animals and humans.
Here are some of the effects noted in the animal studies:
- PQQ reverses cognitive impairment caused by chronic oxidative stress and improve performance on memory tests in animal models.
- PQQ supplementation stimulates the production and release of nerve growth factor.
- PQQ protects against the self-oxidation of the DJ-1 gene, an early step in the onset of Parkinson’s disease.
- PQQ protects brain cells against oxidative damage in models of strokes.
- PQQ blocks the formation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a major source of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that are so damaging to brain cells.
- PQQ protects against the likelihood of severe stroke in an experimental animal model for stroke.
- PQQ protects the brain against neurotoxicity induced by other powerful toxins, including mercury, glutamate, and oxidopamine (a potent neurotoxin used by scientists to induce Parkinsonism in laboratory animals).
- PQQ prevents development of alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson’s disease.
- PQQ also protects nerve cells from the damaging effects of the beta-amyloid-protein linked with Alzheimer’s disease.
BioPQQ can help you see improvements in the short term and protect your brain in the long term in 3 ways.
Grow – Nerve Growth Factor:
- In 1986 the discovery of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) won a Nobel Prize. Prior to its discovery it was believed that nerves could not regrow or recover after being damaged.
- BioPQQ one of a kind in brain health for its connection to nerve growth factor. With BioPQQ we can rebuild the roads that help is think.
Energize – Increasing Mitochondria:
- The mighty mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. It helps us generate over 90% of the energy our bodies use for daily functions, from exercise to breathing!
- By supplementing with BioPQQ we can promote mitochondrial biogenesis, the creation of new mitochondria! New mitochondria means more potential energy. This is revolutionary for your cells, especially in areas like your heart and brain where we can find the highest amount of mitochondria in your body!
Protect – Antioxidant:
- Antioxidants protect you from damage on the cellular level. Such oxidative damage can wreak havoc on our cells, especially in our brains which are susceptible to such damage.
- BioPQQ is the leader among antioxidants. It is extremely potent and will last longer, protecting your cells more efficiently than Vitamin C. End excerpt.
About Dr. Michael Murray
Dr. Murray is one of the world’s leading authorities on natural medicine. He has published over 30 books featuring natural approaches to health. His research into the health benefits of proper nutrition is the foundation for a best-selling line of dietary supplements from Natural Factors, where he is Director of Product Science and Innovation. He is a graduate, former faculty member, and serves on the Board of Regents of Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington.
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Hi Steve,Great Show!! I just made 24 copies to hand out….Best of Health, Edward G (Florida)
Thanks Ed for your support. We appreciate you sharing our message. Best wishes.