PQQ
An antioxidant compound marketed for mitochondrial and brain support.
Want to try PQQ?
See our pick — chosen for form and dose — in our professional dispensary. Please read Safety & interactions first.
Buy on Fullscript →You'll create a free Fullscript account and check out through our professional dispensary — 20% off retail.
We may earn a commission on Fullscript purchases, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate Disclosure
What it is
PQQ is a compound with antioxidant properties that's marketed for supporting mitochondria, the cell's energy factories. It's found in trace amounts in foods.
How it works
PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is an antioxidant compound marketed for supporting mitochondria — the cell's energy factories — and possibly encouraging the growth of new ones. Human evidence for these effects is limited and preliminary.
What it's been studied for
Taken to support energy, mitochondrial function, and cognition.
What the evidence shows
Laboratory and animal data are interesting, but human clinical evidence is limited and preliminary. Consider the mitochondrial and cognitive claims unproven for now.
Who should consider it
It's used for energy, mitochondrial, and cognitive support, often alongside CoQ10. Given the thin evidence, it's an experimental choice with modest expectations.
Amounts commonly studied
Products commonly provide around 10-20 mg per day; it's often paired with CoQ10.
How to take it
Products commonly provide 10-20 mg per day, sometimes paired with CoQ10. It's taken daily, with or without food.
Forms & absorption
Capsules, alone or with CoQ10.
Food sources
Trace amounts occur in fermented foods, some vegetables, and green tea — far below supplement doses.
Safety & interactions
Appears well tolerated in short studies; long-term safety data are limited.
Myths & what it won't do
Myth: PQQ noticeably boosts energy and brain power. Reality: lab and animal data are interesting, but human clinical evidence is limited. Myth: it's a proven anti-aging compound. Reality: long-term human data are lacking.
Common questions
- Does PQQ boost energy?
- Lab and animal studies are intriguing, but human evidence for noticeable energy or cognitive effects is limited.
- Do I take it with CoQ10?
- They're often paired on mitochondrial-support theory, though the combined benefit isn't well established in humans.
- Is it safe?
- It appears well tolerated in short studies, but long-term safety data are limited.
The amounts listed here are what published research has used — not a prescription or a recommended dose for you. Confirm anything you plan to take with your own healthcare provider, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition.
Related goals
Research on PQQ
Recommendations on this page are informed by published research. This is educational information, not medical advice.
- Harris CB, Chowanadisai W, Mishchuk DO, et al. Dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) alters indicators of inflammation and mitochondrial-related metabolism in human subjects. J Nutr Biochem. 2013;24(12):2076-2084. View study →Note: A very small study (10 adults) that measured blood and urine markers after PQQ; it didn't test energy or cognition.