Pyrroloquinoline Quinone, or PQQ, is classified as a dynamic redox cofactor involved in cellular energy and known for its antioxidant potential.
It's often linked to B vitamins for their role in supporting mitochondrial health and energy production, but more recently, PQQ has been recognized in the health and longevity space for emerging research, highlighting its promising contributions to brain health and neuroprotection.
This compound isn't produced by the human body. Pyrroloquinoline must be obtained through one’s diet in foods like green tea, fermented soybeans, spinach, papaya, or more in substantial quantities with pyrrolo quinoline quinone supplementation.
But, with a market flooded with options, how do you discern the best from the rest?
This guide is designed to walk you through the nuances of PQQ supplements, backed by rigorous research and presented in an accessible manner.
We'll explore the science behind the benefits of PQQ, look into potential side effects, and discuss optimal dosages to ensure you're well-informed. Remember, while we're passionate about health and wellness, this guide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
The Best Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Supplements in 2024
We've curated the top PQQ dietary supplements on the market based on the brand's reputation, quality of ingredients, potency, and formula.
Whether you're brand new to the topic or looking to update your supplement regimen, we're sure you can gain value from this shopping guide.
1. Neurogan Health: Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Supplement
The Neurogan Health Pyrroloquinoline Quinoine Tablets stands out for small-batch, premium-quality PQQ supplements at an affordable price point
Each high-quality PPQ tablet delivers 40 mg of naturally derived and refined pure PQQ in a gentle, vegan-friendly tablet format. Our commitment to quality and the supplement's affordability makes it a top choice for those seeking reliable health support without straining their budget.
We promise science-backed wellness products and deliver on trust and value, making our PQQ supplement a must-have in your health arsenal.
Price: $30.00
Count: 120
Mg per Tablet: 40 mg
Ingredients:
- Pyrroloquinoline Quinone
- Magnesium Stearate
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Dicalcium Phosphate
- Silicon Dioxide
2. Neurogan Health: All-In-One Dietary Supplement
Steering away from a one-ingredient star show, we've got the Neurogan Health All-In-One formula featuring PQQ. This blend features a powerhouse of ingredients: trans-resveratrol, fisetin, quercetin, pterostilbene, spermidine, and, of course, PQQ — for mindful aging and brain health.
Each one of these pure ingredients is chosen for its synergistic effects on cellular and brain wellness.
Trans-resveratrol and pterostilbene, known for their potent antioxidant properties, work to combat oxidative stress, a key factor in aging. Fisetin and quercetin further enhance this effect as potent antioxidants.
Including PQQ adds to the mix with its neuroprotective benefits and support for mitochondrial function, which is vital for energy and cognitive clarity. Spermidine, often hailed for its role in cellular renewal, complements the formula, potentially aiding in longevity and cellular rejuvenation.
Together, these ingredients create a well-rounded approach to aging, focusing on protecting and nurturing cells and maintaining cognitive function as one ages.
Price: $40.00
Count: 60
Mg per Tablet: 40 mg
Ingredients:
- Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)
- Trans-resveratrol
- Fisetin
- Quercetin
- Pterostilbene
- Spermidine
- Vegetable Cellulose (Capsule)
3. Jarrow Formulas: QH-absorb + PQQ Supplement
Jarrow Formulas' QH-absorb + PQQ combines 100 mg of ubiquinol (CoQ10) and 10 mg of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium per soft gel.
This product stands out for its inclusion of ubiquinol, a form of CoQ10 involved in mitochondrial energy production and known for its antioxidant properties. The PQQ is added in a smaller concentration (10 mg), contributing to the supplement's focus on supporting mitochondrial health.
These soft gels are made with bovine gelatin, which might be a deterrent for those who prefer or require plant-based supplements.
Price: $32.99 (Sprouts)
Count: 30
Mg per Tablet: 10 mg
Ingredients:
- Ubiquinol
- PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt)
- Medium chain triglycerides (modified coconut oil)
- Sunflower lecithin
- Softgel (bovine gelatin, water, glycerin, annatto [color])
- Beeswax
- Rosemary Extract
- Mixed tocopherols
- Ascorbyl palmitate (antioxidant)
4. Life Extension: PQQ Caps with BioPQQ®:
Life Extension's PQQ Caps with BioPQQ® offer a focused approach to dietary supplementation centered around the proprietary form of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone known as BioPQQ®.
While proprietary forms like BioPQQ® are often marketed for their high quality and unique manufacturing processes, it's important to approach them with a balanced perspective.
Proprietary forms can sometimes be misleading, as they may imply superiority without necessarily providing substantial evidence to support these claims. The term 'proprietary' often refers to a specific brand or patented version of an ingredient, which can be more about marketing and less about enhanced efficacy.
However, in the case of Life Extension, they are recognized as one of the trusted brands in the supplement market, known for their rigorous research and quality control.
Price: $21.60
Count: 30
Mg per Tablet: 20 mg
Ingredients:
- PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt)
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Vegetable cellulose (capsule)
- Silica
- Stearic acid
5. NOW Foods: PQQ Energy
Now Foods' PQQ Energy is a comprehensive supplement that combines multiple active ingredients designed to work synergistically for enhanced energy and cognitive support.
Each capsule contains 20 mg of PQQ, along with 200 mg of Acetyl-L-Carnitine, 30 mg of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and Vitamin B-12. This blend is designed to support mitochondrial health and overall energy levels.
While combining these ingredients in Now Foods' PQQ Energy can offer many benefits, consumers need to consider their overall supplement regimen.
The addition of multiple active ingredients in one product may not be ideal for those who are looking to stack different supplements, as it requires careful consideration of total dosages and potential interactions.
Nonetheless, Now Foods is known for its trusted and quality formulas; this product is no exception. Overall, this is an affordable, multi-faceted supplement from a long-standing brand in the health space.
Price: $18.99
Count: 30 Tablets
Mg per Tablet: 20 mg
Ingredients:
- Vitamin B-12 (as Methylcobalamin)
- PQQ disodium salt)
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine (from Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCL)
- Coenzyme Q10
6. Pure Encapsulations: PQQ Supplements
Pure Encapsulations' PQQ supplement is distinguished by its hypoallergenic formulation, emphasizing purity and quality in its ingredients. This particular product combines PQQ with CoQ10, made with proprietary forms BioPQQ and MicroActive® CoQ10, designed for sustained release over 24 hours, potentially enhancing its effectiveness in the body.
The combination of PQQ and CoQ10 in this supplement is targeted towards supporting mitochondrial function and cardiovascular health.
However, at $90.20 for 60 capsules, Pure Encapsulations' PQQ is on the expensive side, which might be a consideration for those on a budget or looking for long-term supplementation options.
While the cost may be a factor, the product's focus on hypoallergenic ingredients and the use of proprietary forms of PQQ and CoQ10 might justify the price for those seeking high-quality, sustained-release formulations.
Price: $90.20
Count: 60
Mg per Tablet: 20 mg
Ingredients:
- MicroActive CoenzymeQ10
- BioPQQ Pyrrolo Quinoline Quinone Disodium Salt
- Potato Starch
- Hypoallergenic Plant Fiber (cellulose)
- Vegetarian capsule (Cellulose, Water)
PQQ Supplement Benefits
While the full scope of PQQ's effects is still a subject of ongoing research, several studies have shed light on its promising applications. Here, we'll get into some of the key areas where PQQ might play a beneficial role in your health regimen.
Please keep in mind that this is for educational purposes only and should not replace the advice of a health care provider.
1. Mitochondrial Function
Mitochondria are like tiny power plants inside almost every cell in your body, producing energy to power various cellular functions. This energy is created through a process called cellular respiration, which is crucial for keeping cells alive and functioning properly.
PQQ is a molecule that has been shown to have a fascinating effect on mitochondria. According to research, including studies published in the "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry," PQQ can stimulate a process known as mitochondrial biogenesis. This is a fancy way of saying that PQQ helps to create new mitochondria [1].
PQQ activates signaling pathways inside cells. These are like cellular communication networks that send messages telling the cell to perform certain actions. In the case of PQQ, one of these messages is to create more mitochondria. Think of it like sending a construction order to build more power plants.
More mitochondria mean more energy production capacity for the cell. This is particularly significant for high-energy-demand organs like the brain and muscles.
2. Cognitive Health
Your brain is an incredibly complex organ, constantly processing information and controlling your body. It needs healthy brain cells (neurons) and good communication between them to do this effectively. This is where PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) comes into the picture.
Studies suggest that PQQ has neuroprotective properties. Neuroprotection is like having a security system for your brain cells [2]. It means protecting neurons from damage and stress that can be caused by things like environmental toxins or inflammation.
One way PQQ does this is by stimulating the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) [3]. NGF is like a nurturing coach for neurons. It helps them grow, maintain their structure, and survive. This is really important because healthy, well-maintained neurons are essential for your brain to function smoothly.
Now, think about memory and other cognitive functions like solving a math problem or remembering facts for a test. These tasks require neurons to work well and communicate efficiently with each other. By promoting the health and survival of neurons and possibly enhancing their connections, PQQ can contribute to better brain function.
This means it could help maintain memory and overall cognitive abilities, which are especially important as you age and your brain faces more challenges.
3. Sleep Quality
Sleep is like your body's recharge time, essential for good health and well-being. Quality sleep involves not just how much time you sleep but also how quickly you fall asleep and how restful your sleep is. Emerging research suggests that PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) might play a role in improving sleep quality [4].
So, how does PQQ fit into the picture of sleep? First, remember that your body has a natural clock known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates when you feel awake and when you feel sleepy.
This rhythm is influenced by various factors, including hormones and environmental cues like light. But here's the interesting part: there's growing evidence that your mitochondria — the energy powerhouses of your cells — might also influence your circadian rhythm and, consequently, your sleep patterns.
PQQ's role in promoting mitochondrial health could be key here. By enhancing mitochondrial function, PQQ might help regulate the energy levels of your cells in a way that supports a healthy sleep-wake cycle. When your mitochondria are functioning optimally, they could help signal your body when it's time to power down for sleep and when it's time to wake up.
4. Antioxidant Support
Think of your body as a metropolis where countless processes happen at a cellular level daily.
Just like a city faces environmental stressors like pollution, your body faces something called oxidative stress. This is caused by free radicals — unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA.
Free radicals are a bit like litter or pollution in our city analogy; they can create a mess if not managed properly.
Antioxidants are like the cleanup crew of your body. They neutralize free radicals, preventing them from causing harm. PQQ is particularly interesting because it’s not just an antioxidant itself; it may also enhance the body’s own antioxidant defenses [1].
Moreover, PQQ's role in supporting mitochondrial function ties back into its antioxidant capabilities. Healthy mitochondria are better at managing oxidative stress, and since PQQ supports mitochondrial health, it's a double win.
5. Cardiovascular Health
PQQ’s antioxidant and mitochondrial support also contribute to its potential to support brain and heart health.
Oxidative stress is often linked to various heart conditions, emphasizing the importance of effective countermeasures. As a dietary supplement, PQQ supports the body's ability to combat this oxidative stress. Its potent antioxidant properties can be crucial in safeguarding the heart.
Moreover, preliminary studies have suggested that PQQ may positively influence cholesterol levels and blood pressure, both important factors in cardiovascular wellness [5, 6]
PPQ Side Effects
There isn't any real danger when taking high-quality PQQ, as it's generally considered safe and well-tolerated in healthy adults. However, higher doses may have some mild side effects like gastrointestinal upset, headaches, and fatigue.
In very rare cases, it's possible that side effects of PPQ could include getting an allergic reaction that may appear as a rash, itch, or swelling. And it's important to consider that PQQ could potentially interact with certain medications. This is particularly important for individuals on blood thinners or medications for blood pressure, as PQQ may have a mild blood-thinning effect.
PQQ Dosage: How Much PQQ Can I Take Per Day?
Most PQQ supplements come in dosages ranging from 10 to 40 mg daily. This range is generally considered safe and effective for most adults.
If you're new to PQQ, starting at the lower end of the dosage spectrum is often advisable. This can help your body adjust to the supplement and reduce the risk of potential side effects.
Before starting PQQ, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications, talk to your healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice on appropriate dosages and other lifestyle recommendations to work towards your goals.
It’s important that you don’t exceed the recommended daily dosage specified by the supplement manufacturer unless directed by a healthcare provider. Higher dosages have not been extensively studied and could increase the risk of side effects.
Pay attention to how your body responds to the supplement. If you experience any adverse effects, consult your healthcare provider.
Different Forms of PQQ Supplements
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is primarily available as an oral supplement, typically in the form of capsules or tablets. These are the most common and convenient forms for incorporating PQQ into a daily health regimen. The oral supplements are designed to be taken with water, and they release the active ingredient into your digestive system, from where it's absorbed into your bloodstream.
Other delivery methods for PQQ, such as liquids and powders, aren't widely available or mainstream. However, the supplement industry is continually evolving, so new forms of PQQ may become available.
When considering PQQ supplements, it's important to look at factors like dosage, additional ingredients (such as CoQ10, which is often combined with PQQ for synergistic effects), and the quality of the product. Always check for products from reputable manufacturers and, if possible, those that have undergone third-party testing for purity and potency.
The Takeaway: The Health Benefits of PQQ Supplements
While research continues to unveil the full extent of PQQ's vitamin-like compound capabilities, the current findings present it as a promising addition to health and wellness routines.
When shopping for other PQQ supplements, choose a reputable source for high-quality supplements.
At Neurogan Health, we're proud to stand out in this regard with a range of affordable, well-made PQQ options. Our commitment to quality, coupled with a focus on making supplements accessible, positions us as a reliable choice for those seeking to integrate the potential benefits of PQQ into their lives.
Remember, while supplements can be valuable tools for health and wellness, they should complement a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle and, as always, be used under healthcare professionals' guidance.
With the right approach and quality products, PQQ can be a powerful ally in your journey towards optimal health.
Resources:
- Harris, C. B., Chowanadisai, W., Mishchuk, D. O., Satre, M. A., Slupsky, C. M., & Rucker, R. B. (2013). Dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) alters indicators of inflammation and mitochondrial-related metabolism in human subjects. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 24(12), 2076-2084.
- Hara, H., Hiramatsu, H., & Adachi, T. (2007). Pyrroloquinoline quinone is a potent neuroprotective nutrient against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity. Neurochemical research, 32, 489-495.
- Shi, C., Xu, S., Huang, C., Wang, Z., Wang, W., Ming, D., ... & Wang, F. (2022). Pyrroloquinoline quinone regulates enteric neurochemical plasticity of weaned rats challenged with lipopolysaccharide. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 878541.
- Akagawa, M., Nakano, M., & Ikemoto, K. (2016). Recent progress in studies on the health benefits of pyrroloquinoline quinone. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 80(1), 13-22.
- Nakano, M., Kawasaki, Y., Suzuki, N., & Takara, T. (2015). Effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt intake on the serum cholesterol levels of healthy Japanese adults. Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology, 61(3), 233-240.
- Shafiq, M., Lone, Z. R., Bharati, P., Mahapatra, S., Rai, P., Khandelwal, N., ... & Hanif, K. (2022). Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) improves pulmonary hypertension by regulating mitochondrial and metabolic functions. Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 76, 102156.
