PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- PQQ
- Pyrroloquinoline quinone
- Methoxatin
- BioPQQ (branded form)

Latin Name: N/A (not a botanical)

Category: Other Supplement

Uses

Traditional Uses

• No traditional use history—PQQ was discovered in 1979 and research on supplementation began in the 2000s
• Recognized as a nutrient in the early 2000s based on animal studies showing deficiency symptoms

Modern Uses

• Mitochondrial Support - Stimulates growth of new mitochondria (mitochondrial biogenesis) and protects existing mitochondria from oxidative damage | Research quality: Moderate
• Key findings: Animal and cell studies demonstrate PQQ activates PGC-1α, a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis; human data limited but promising

• Source citations: Colbert, Don - Reversing Diabetes (Local Library); General research literature

• Cognitive Function - Supports memory, attention, and mental processing | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Small human studies show improvements in memory tests and cognitive function, particularly in middle-aged and older adults; mechanism may involve nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation

• Source citations: General research literature

• Energy Production - Supports cellular ATP production and reduces fatigue | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: By enhancing mitochondrial function, PQQ may improve energy levels; some studies show reduced fatigue and improved sleep quality

• Source citations: Colbert, Don - Reversing Diabetes (Local Library)

• Neuroprotection - May protect brain cells from oxidative stress and support nerve cell health | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Cell studies show PQQ stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) production; potential applications in age-related cognitive decline being researched
• Source citations: General research literature

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Pyrroloquinoline quinone - A redox cofactor that acts as an extremely potent antioxidant; capable of undergoing thousands of catalytic cycles compared to vitamin C's four cycles
- Functions as a cofactor for certain enzymes involved in energy metabolism

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Capsule
- Amount: 10-20 mg per day
- Frequency: Once daily

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Capsule
- Amount: 20-40 mg per day
- Purpose: For cognitive support or significant energy enhancement
- Duration: Ongoing; effects may take 4-8 weeks to become noticeable

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: 40 mg generally well-tolerated
- Warning threshold: Doses above 60 mg not well studied; no established upper limit but caution advised

Bioavailability Notes:
- Well absorbed orally
- BioPQQ is a patented, fermented form with established safety data
- May be enhanced when taken with CoQ10

How to Take It

Timing:
- Best taken in the morning or early afternoon
- Can be taken with or without food
- Avoid taking late in the day as it may impair sleep due to its energizing effects

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) - Both support mitochondrial function through different mechanisms | Combined effect enhances cellular energy production
2. L-Carnitine / Acetyl-L-Carnitine - L-carnitine transports fatty acids into mitochondria for energy while PQQ creates new mitochondria | Synergistic energy support
3. Alpha Lipoic Acid - Both are powerful mitochondrial antioxidants | Enhanced protection against oxidative damage
4. Glutathione-boosting supplements (NAC) - Quenches free radicals in mitochondria including hydroxyl and hydrogen peroxide | Supports overall mitochondrial health and ATP production

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. No significant negative supplement interactions currently documented

Drug Interactions:
1. Blood thinners (Warfarin, Aspirin) - PQQ may have mild blood-thinning effects | Monitor closely; consult healthcare provider | Severity level: Mild
2. Immunosuppressants - Theoretical concern as PQQ may modulate immune function | Consult healthcare provider before combining | Severity level: Mild

Food Interactions:
- No significant food interactions documented
- Caffeine: Monitor if taking both, as combined energizing effects may cause overstimulation in sensitive individuals

Safety Information

Contraindications:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- Children (not studied in pediatric populations)
- Upcoming surgery (discontinue 2 weeks prior due to potential blood-thinning effects)

Side Effects:
- Common: Generally well-tolerated; occasional reports of headache, drowsiness, or fatigue initially
- Rare: Insomnia if taken late in day; mild gastrointestinal upset

Long-Term Use:
- Limited long-term human studies, but no concerning safety signals in available research
- Animal studies suggest good long-term safety profile
- No cycling typically recommended

Special Precautions:
- Discontinue before surgery
- Start with lower dose (10 mg) to assess tolerance
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to lack of safety data

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Mitochondrial support, cognitive function, cellular energy production, healthy aging support

Secondary: Neuroprotection, antioxidant support, sleep quality improvement

Sources

Local Library:
- Colbert, Don - Reversing Diabetes.epub

General Knowledge:
- Clinical research literature on PQQ supplementation
- Nutritional biochemistry references