BioPQQ®

BioPQQ® is a high-quality, research-backed form of PQQ.

BioPQQ is a brand of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ). This natural compound has antioxidant and energy-related effects. This BioPQQ review details its potential advantages over plain PQQ supplements:

Patented. BioPQQ’s bacterial fermentation production method is patented. Its use for cognitive benefit and other conditions is backed by studies. It is important to mention that just because it is patented does not guarantee efficacy and quality, but it is a good indicator.
Clinically researched. BioPQQ’s cognitive, skin, and cardiovascular health benefits are backed by several human studies.
FDA-recognized. BioPQQ is the only PQQ generally recognized as safe by the FDA for sale in the United States.

Table of Contents

Overview

BioPQQ is a branded form of natural compound pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ). PQQ improves the function of mitochondria – the energy-generating parts of a cell – and also has antioxidant effects. Although it is not produced by the human body, it is found in bacteria and some foods (e.g. parsley, green tea, kiwi).

PQQ has been the subject of much research, particularly in the realm of brain health. Studies suggest that it can increase nerve growth factor (NGF)¹ and may have nootropic benefits such as protecting against neurodegeneration and improving memory & learning. Because of this, PQQ supplements are mostly used by older adults to improve brain health & function.

Manufactured by Japanese biochemical company Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, BioPQQ holds several advantages over generic PQQ ingredients:

It is the only brand of PQQ backed by clinical research
It is the only form of PQQ that can be lawfully sold in the U.S. in accordance with FDA regulations
It is made through bacterial fermentation, whereas many PQQ supplements are made synthetically

For these reasons, BioPQQ is the most popular source of PQQ in dietary supplements.

Did you know? In its reduced form, PQQ has 7.4x the antioxidant potency of vitamin C.

Mitochondrion structure. Image by Mariana Ruiz Villarreal LadyofHats [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

How does BioPQQ Work?

The main mechanism through which PQQ provides its health benefits is supporting mitochondrial function. The mitochondria are cell structures responsible for generating most of the body’s energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In particular, BioPQQ has been shown to promote mitochondrial biogenesis – the creation of new mitochondria. This mechanism can have wide-ranging benefits for everything from fatigue to brain function.

In addition, PQQ also acts has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, which are particularly useful for brain health because oxidative stress is involved in age-associated cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s.

BioPQQ Patents

BioPQQ is protected by several Japanese and American patents, including:

The preparation of BioPQQ, which uses a safe bacterial fermentation process to produce PQQ
The use of BioPQQ preparations for promoting the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which can help with brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s (U.S. patent 5589481)
The use of BioPQQ for improving symptoms of skin psoriasis (U.S. patent 8575190)

As I mentioned, patents do not always guarantee that a supplement is superior, but they are a good sign.

BioPQQ Nutritional Supplement Uses

As a high-quality source of PQQ, BioPQQ has the potential to be used in many different kinds of supplement categories. These include:

Nootropic Supplements

Without a doubt, the single most popular use of PQQ – and by extent BioPQQ – is as a nootropic. In this capacity, PQQ is primarily used to stave off age-related cognitive decline through its ability to promote neuron growth and survival, increase energy production, and counter the effects of oxidative stress. Studies of BioPQQ confirm that it can help improve memory, attention, and other cognitive parameters in aging adults.

Energy Supplements

The second major use for BioPQQ is energy supplements. This isn’t surprising considering its major biological effect is enhancing the function of mitochondria – the cell’s energy-generating powerhouse. In fact, mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in energy-related disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and studies of BioPQQ and dietary PQQ have reported improvement of fatigue and energy metabolism.

Skin Supplements

Although BioPQQ is not considered a skin supplement, a single study did report improved skin water retention in women with dry skin. As such, it has the potential to be used in skin supplements and topical products. This effect may be related to with PQQ’s antioxidant effects.

Cardiovascular Health Supplements

BioPQQ also has the potential to be added to cardiovascular health supplements thanks to a study reporting reductions in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.

Kiwis contain small amounts of PQQ. Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

BioPQQ Advantages

Compared to generic PQQ, BioPQQ may have several potential advantages:

Natural: Whereas many PQQ supplements are made synthetically, BioPQQ is made through a natural bacterial fermentation process.
Patented: BioPQQ is protected by several Japanese and worldwide patents which suggest consistency in quality and effectiveness between batches.
Clinical research: BioPQQ is the only brand of PQQ proven to have cognitive and other health benefits in multiple human studies, many of which are randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) – the gold standard of human research.
FDA-recognized: BioPQQ is the only PQQ that can be lawfully sold in the United States as a supplement because it adheres to FDA’s New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) notification.
Award-winning: BioPQQ received the “Ingredient with the Best Science” award at Engredea, the leading natural health products industry exhibition.

BioPQQ Research

Human Research

Human studies of BioPQQ supplementation report improved brain function in older adults. In addition, other potential benefits include reduced blood cholesterol levels and improved skin health.

BioPQQ (20 mg) appears to improve brain function in older adults

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of BioPQQ on brain function in older adults. A total of 41 elderly participants were given placebo or BioPQQ (20 mg) daily for 12 weeks, and had their attention and visual-spatial brain function tested. Those given PQQ performed better on tests of attention and memory than placebo.

The researchers concluded that “The results suggest that PQQ can prevent reduction of brain function in aged persons, especially in attention and working memory.” ²

BioPQQ may improve brain blood flow and oxygen usage

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study explored the mechanisms behind the cognitive benefits of BioPQQ. Twenty adults (aged 50-70) were given BioPQQ (20 mg) or placebo daily for 12 weeks. The researchers then evaluated blood flow and oxygen usage in the brain’s prefrontal cortex (PFC). The individuals taking PQQ experienced increased concentration of hemoglobin in the right PFC, and reduced oxygen saturation, suggesting increased blood flow and oxygen usage.

The researchers concluded that “These results suggest that PQQ causes increased activity in the right PFC associated with increases in rCBF and oxygen metabolism, resulting in enhanced cognitive function.” ³

BioPQQ (20 mg) appears to reduce fatigue and improve sleep and overall quality of life

This study examined the effects of BioPQQ on stress, fatigue, sleep, and quality of life. Seventeen participants were given BioPQQ (20 mg) daily for 8 weeks and were evaluated with various questionnaires. The supplementation improved questionnaire results for mood state (vigor, fatigue, tension-anxiety, depression, anger-hostility and confusion), quality of life, appetite, sleepiness at awakening, sleep onset and maintenance, sleep duration, and other sleep-related measures.

The researchers concluded that “These data indicate that PQQ can be regarded as a potentially useful dietary supplement as it may relate to improving fatigue.” ⁴

BioPQQ (20 mg) may improve blood cholesterol

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of PQQ on blood cholesterol. Twenty-nine adults with normal to high blood triglyceride levels took placebo or BioPQQ (20 mg) daily for 12 weeks. Although supplementation did not decrease triglyceride levels, it did reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

The researchers concluded that ” Our study findings suggest that PQQ suppressed the LDL-chol level, which is an important finding, because a high level of this lipid is a risk factor for various lifestyle-related diseases.” ⁵

BioPQQ (20 mg) may improve dry skin by promoting water retention

This study evaluated the effects of BioPQQ on skin health and appearance. Women with dry skin took PQQ (20 mg) daily for 8 weeks. The supplementation improved transepidermal water loss (TEWL) – a measure of the skin’s ability to retain water. In addition, the women reported positive impressions of the changes in their skin.

The researchers concluded that “These results suggest that oral intake of PQQ improves skin conditions both in female subjects with dry skin and in mice with a compromised skin barrier function.” ⁶

BioPQQ Dosage

All successful studies of BioPQQ used 20 mg dosages
Both standalone and multi-ingredient BioPQQ supplements provide 20 mg dosages

Did you know? PQQ is often combined with CoQ10, another natural compound involved in energy production

Supplements in Review Recommendation

BioPQQ®, 20 mg.

If you’re looking for a PQQ supplement, we recommend BioPQQ. BioPQQ is the only FDA-recognized, patented, research-backed form of PQQ available.

Research indicates 20 mg dosages. All clinical studies of BioPQQ successfully employed 20 mg dosages taken in capsule form.

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