Enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis
Stimulates the creation of new mitochondria in cells
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
Novel vitamin-like compound that promotes mitochondrial biogenesis, supports cognitive function, and provides neuroprotection
Scientific namePyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt
FormulaC14H6N2O8
Molecular weight330.21 g/mol
CAS72909-34-3
60
absorption score
8
safety / 10
45
USD per month
5
documented interactions
Check it against something
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) with:
- Amylase
- Ashwagandha
- Avocado Oil
- BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
- Beetroot Powder
- Beta-Alanine
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Bovine Collagen
- Caffeine
- Calcium
- Calcium Bone Formula
- Calcium Carbonate
- Casein Protein
- Chicken Collagen
- Choline (Bitartrate)
- Chondroitin Sulfate
- Coconut Oil
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- Collagen Peptides
- Comprehensive Immune Support Complex
- Comprehensive Multivitamin-Mineral Complex
- Creatine HCL
- Creatine Monohydrate
- D-Mannose
- DHA
- Electrolyte Blend
- EPA
- Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)
- Folate (5-MTHF)
- Ginger
- Iron Fumarate
- Iron Sulfate
- Joint Mobility Formula
- Keratin
- Krill Oil
- L-Carnitine
- L-Citrulline
- Lactase
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lipase
- Magnesium Citrate
- Magnesium Glycinate
- Magnesium Oxide
- Marine Collagen
- Melatonin
- Modafinil
- Olive Oil Extract
- Omega-3 + Curcumin + Vitamin D Triple Anti-Inflammatory Formula
- Papain
- Protease
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Turmeric
- Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate)
- Vitamin D3
- Whey Protein
- Zinc Gluconate
Nothing found
82
out of 100
Works better together
Compatible. Timing differs, so follow each supplement's own window.
What it does
mechanism and evidence for each claimImproved cognitive function and memory
Enhances memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance
Powerful neuroprotective effects
Protects brain cells from oxidative damage and aging
Enhanced cellular energy production
Improves overall energy levels and reduces fatigue
Cardiovascular health support
May improve heart function and reduce cardiovascular risk
Others take these for the same thing
Same goal, different mechanism — check any of them against this one
Ashwagandha
Stress management & energy
300-600mg
A
75%
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Energy & nerve support
250-1000 mcg
A
70%
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Heart health & cellular energy
100-200mg
A
10%
Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)
Heart & brain health
1-2g EPA/DHA
A
85%
Phosphorus
Bone health & energy metabolism
700-1250mg
A
80%
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Energy & skin health (no flush)
100-1000 mg
A
88%
Every pair we checked
12 combinations scored by the engine
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) + Caffeine
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) + Creatine Monohydrate
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) + Vitamin D3
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) + Calcium Carbonate
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) + Whey Protein
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) + Lactase
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) + Bovine Collagen
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) + DHA
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) + Turmeric
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) + Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Enhanced antioxidant protection and mitochondrial support
Works better together
78
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) + Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Enhanced cognitive function and mitochondrial energy
Works better together
78
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) + Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Enhanced mitochondrial function and energy production
Works better together
82
Dosage
Daily10-20mg
Cognitive support10-20mg daily
Anti aging10-20mg daily
Neuroprotection20-40mg daily
Athletic performance20-40mg daily
When to expect it
First Effects2-4 weeks for initial cognitive and energy benefits
Peak Benefits6-12 weeks for sustained mitochondrial and brain benefits
Deficiency DevelopmentGradual decline in mitochondrial function
Toxicity OnsetVery rare, excellent safety profile
How to measure it
MarkerNot routinely measured - research marker only
OptimalResearch ongoing for optimal plasma levels
Deficient belowNot established
FrequencyNot applicable for routine monitoring
What actually reaches you
The label counts the carrier, your body does not
Absorption
High 60 of 100 · absorbs well relative to other forms
Delivered daily
9 mg
Cost per 100 mg delivered
$16.67 comparative — uses the absorption score, not a measured percentage
Works better with
+
Coq10
Enhanced mitochondrial function and energy production
Complementary mitochondrial support - PQQ creates new mitochondria, CoQ10 optimizes existing ones · level A
+
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Enhanced antioxidant protection and mitochondrial support
Both support mitochondrial function through different pathways · level B
+
Acetyl L Carnitine
Enhanced cognitive function and mitochondrial energy
Complementary effects on brain energy metabolism · level BWhat not to take with PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
!
Alcohol Excess
Alcohol impairs mitochondrial function
Alcohol damages mitochondria and reduces PQQ benefits · moderate significance
!
Smoking
Smoking increases oxidative stress
Tobacco smoke overwhelms antioxidant capacity · major significanceMedication interactions
Discuss these with a pharmacist before combiningNo significant drug interactions reported
What to do: Generally safe with medications
May enhance stimulant effects
What to do: Monitor for overstimulation
Available forms
PQQ Disodium Salt: Mitochondrial benefits, Cognitive support, Neuroprotection, Synergizes with CoQ10
Food sources
Natto (fermented soybeans)
Highest natural source (~60 ng/g) · 50
Green tea
Moderate amounts (~30 ng/g) · 45
Spinach and parsley
Small amounts (~15 ng/g) · 40
Supplements
10-40mg per capsule · 60
Too little
- Cognitive decline and poor memory
- Chronic fatigue and low energy
- Poor mitochondrial function
- Increased oxidative stress
- Accelerated aging process
- Reduced neuroplasticity
- Poor exercise performance and recovery
Too much
- Generally very safe:
- Mild headaches with high doses
- Temporary sleep disturbances
- Initial fatigue during adaptation
- Very rare adverse effects
Who benefits most
cognitive-enhancement-brain-health
Excellent for improving memory, focus, and overall brain function
10-20mg daily
aging-adults-40plus
Helps combat age-related mitochondrial decline
10-20mg daily
fatigue-energy-support
Enhances cellular energy production and reduces fatigue
10-20mg daily
neurodegenerative-prevention
Provides neuroprotection against cognitive decline
20-40mg daily
athletes-performance
May improve exercise performance through enhanced mitochondrial function
20-40mg dailyWhere to buy it
Look for PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) at 10-20mg per serving. The form that matters here is PQQ Disodium Salt.
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What else affects it
Beyond other supplements
!
Alcohol excess
Alcohol impairs mitochondrial function
Alcohol damages mitochondria and reduces PQQ benefits
!
Smoking
Smoking increases oxidative stress
Tobacco smoke overwhelms antioxidant capacityHow it works
- Activates PGC-1α pathway stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis
- Potent antioxidant protecting against oxidative stress
- Enhances nerve growth factor (NGF) production
- Improves mitochondrial efficiency and ATP production
- Protects neurons from excitotoxicity and inflammation
- Supports healthy aging through cellular energy optimization
Key findings
what the evidence supports- Promising evidence for mitochondrial biogenesis and cognitive support
- May be essential nutrient for optimal human health
- Synergistic effects with CoQ10 for mitochondrial function
- Generally safe with minimal side effects
Sources: NIH Examine.com · data reviewed 2026-08-01
Compiled by Denis, who maintains this database and holds no medical qualification — every figure here is sourced or derived, never asserted. How we calculate it →
Common questions
What are the benefits of PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)?
Documented effects: Enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis; Improved cognitive function and memory; Powerful neuroprotective effects; Enhanced cellular energy production. Stimulates the creation of new mitochondria in cells
How much PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) should you take per day?
The common daily range is 10-20mg. By goal — cognitive support: 10-20mg daily; anti aging: 10-20mg daily; neuroprotection: 20-40mg daily; athletic performance: 20-40mg daily.
When is the best time to take PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)?
Morning with food. First effects are typically reported within 2-4 weeks for initial cognitive and energy benefits.
What are the side effects of PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)?
At excessive doses: Generally very safe:, Mild headaches with high doses, Temporary sleep disturbances, Initial fatigue during adaptation, Very rare adverse effects. Safety rating at normal doses is 8 out of 10.
What should you not take with PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)?
Separate it from Alcohol Excess, Smoking by two to four hours. Alcohol impairs mitochondrial function
Does PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) interact with medications?
Documented interactions with no-significant-interactions, stimulants. Discuss these with a pharmacist before combining.
How do you know if you need PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)?
The marker is Not routinely measured - research marker only, optimal range Research ongoing for optimal plasma levels. Common deficiency signs: Cognitive decline and poor memory, Chronic fatigue and low energy, Poor mitochondrial function, Increased oxidative stress.