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Supplements/Compound

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)

Redox cofactor for mitochondrial biogenesis.

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Overview

Redox cofactor for mitochondrial biogenesis.

Natural sources
  • Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
  • Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
  • Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Mechanism of action

Activates PGC-1α and CREB; mitochondrial biogenesis.

Pathways
  • · Activates PGC-1α
  • · mitochondrial biogenesis

Effects on the body

Decreases
fatigue

Organ system effects

Skeletal Muscle

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) supports mitochondrial ATP production and fatigue resistance.

Brain & CNS

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) acts on hallmarks of aging including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and senescence signaling.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces fatigue

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Headache at high dose
Rare
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      Prescription medications (general)
      Always disclose PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
      minor

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with
      • NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR)
        Complementary mitochondrial and sirtuin support.
      • Omega-3
        Lowers inflammation and supports membrane integrity.
      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      10–20 mg
      Best form
      Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
      Timing
      Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
      With food?
      With a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.

      Where to buy

      Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Scientific evidence8Show studies
      RCTFood Style · 2012

      PQQ on stress and fatigue

      Nakano M, et al.

      17 adults

      Key findings

      Improved sleep, fatigue, and mood scores.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) — Reduces fatigue

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) Reduces fatigue" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) and "Reduces fatigue". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) — dose response

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

      Key findings

      Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

      Open study
      Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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