PQQ
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone
Unique compound that promotes the growth of new mitochondria, supporting cellular energy and brain health.
PQQ is a compound found in soil and certain foods that supports mitochondrial biogenesis — the creation of new mitochondria. This makes it unique among supplements. Research shows benefits for cognitive function, sleep quality, and energy. Often paired with CoQ10 for comprehensive mitochondrial support.
Mechanisms of Action
Mitochondrial Biogenesis
Stimulates creation of new mitochondria
Redox Cycling
Powerful antioxidant through electron cycling
Nerve Growth Factor
May support nerve growth
Recommended Dose
10-20mg
Optimal Timing
- Morning with breakfast
Take with food
Best Form
BioPQQ capsules (most studied form)
Alternatives: Generic PQQ disodium salt
BioPQQ is the patented, most studied form. Low doses are effective.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 8 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Taking with food may improve absorption. Morning dosing aligns with mitochondrial energy needs.
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Cognitive Improvement
Better memory and mental clarity
Improved Energy
More sustained energy
Better Sleep
Improved sleep quality
Insufficient data; avoid
Who Should NOT Take This
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to PQQ or related compounds
Drug Interactions
Generally safe with medications
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Start with lower dose
Tip: Take in morning
Warnings
- Relatively new supplement — long-term data limited
- Benefits may be subtle
CoQ10
enhancesPQQ creates new mitochondria; CoQ10 powers them
Comprehensive mitochondrial support
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
complementaryBoth support mitochondrial function
Multi-target cellular energy support
Urolithin A
complementaryPQQ creates new mitochondria; urolithin A removes damaged ones
Complete mitochondrial turnover support
Top studies from 37+ peer-reviewed papers
Wen H et al. • Current stem cell research & therapy (2020)
“It provides new ideas in the study of osteoporosis and neuro injury.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.”
Key Findings:
- Owing to the inherent properties of PQQ as an antioxidant and redox modulator in various systems.
- In recent years, the role of PQQ in the field of osteoporosis and neuro injury has become a research hotspot.
- This article mainly discusses the derivatives, distribution of PQQ, in vitro models of osteoporosis and neuro injury, and the research progress of its mechanism of action.
- It provides new ideas in the study of osteoporosis and neuro injury.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
Ames BN • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (2018)
“Because nutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in the United States (and elsewhere), appropriate supplementation and/or an improved diet could reduce much of the consequent risk of chronic disease and premature aging.”
Key Findings:
- Impairment of the function of longevity proteins results in an insidious acceleration of the risk of diseases associated with aging.
- I also propose that nutrients required for the function of longevity proteins constitute a class of vitamins that are here named "longevity vitamins." I suggest that many such nutrients play a dual role for both survival and longevity.
- Because nutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in the United States (and elsewhere), appropriate supplementation and/or an improved diet could reduce much of the consequent risk of chronic disease and premature aging.
Akagawa M et al. • Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry (2016)
“Additionally, we provide an update of its basic pharmacokinetics and safety information in oral ingestion.”
Key Findings:
- Although PQQ is not currently classified as a vitamin, PQQ has been implicated as an important nutrient in mammals.
- In recent years, PQQ has been receiving much attention owing to its physiological importance and pharmacological effects.
- In this article, we review the potential health benefits of PQQ with a focus on its growth-promoting activity, anti-diabetic effect, anti-oxidative action, and neuroprotective function.
- Additionally, we provide an update of its basic pharmacokinetics and safety information in oral ingestion.
Misra HS et al. • Journal of biosciences (2012)
“This review discusses different findings suggesting the versatility in PQQ functions and provides the most plausible intellectual basis to the ubiquitous roles of this compound in a large number of biological processes, as a nutrient and a perspective vitamin.”
Key Findings:
- This review covers the comprehensive information on various aspects of PQQ known till date.
- Most recent findings correlating the exceptionally high redox recycling ability of PQQ to its potential as anti-neurodegenerative, anticancer and pharmacological agents, and as a signalling molecule have been distinctly brought out.
- This review discusses different findings suggesting the versatility in PQQ functions and provides the most plausible intellectual basis to the ubiquitous roles of this compound in a large number of biological processes, as a nutrient and a perspective vitamin.
Ulpathakumbura S et al. • Ageing research reviews (2026)
“All rights reserved.”
Key Findings:
- Despite supporting preliminary data and patented formulations, strong scientific evidence encouraging the synergistic anti-aging potential of PQQ and NMN/NR remains limited, highlighting the need for robust studies.
- Collectively, PQQ and NMN/NR offer distinct complementary strategies to promote healthy aging and prevent age-related diseases; their combination could offer a more effective approach to enhance healthy aging and longevity.Copyright © 2025 The Authors.
- Published by Elsevier B.V.
- All rights reserved.
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
Related Goals
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.