What is PQQ?
Pyrroloquinoline quinone, usually shortened to PQQ, is a naturally occurring quinone compound. It acts as a redox cofactor in certain bacteria. In human nutrition research, PQQ is best described as a bioactive quinone compound rather than an established vitamin; no dietary reference intake has been defined.
PQQ occurs in trace amounts in foods, while human supplement studies generally use a defined PQQ disodium-salt form. This makes ingredient identity, disclosed amount, and finished-product quality important when comparing formulas.
We see PQQ as a compelling ingredient for mitochondrial health based on its distinctive biological role, findings from controlled human studies, and research-informed amounts relevant to formulation. Our approach is to follow the evidence as it evolves, applying what current research supports without extending claims beyond it.
How might PQQ support cellular energy?
Mitochondria turn energy from food into ATP, the usable energy currency of cells. In cultured mouse liver cells, PQQ exposure increased markers associated with mitochondrial content and respiration. Researchers connected this response to CREB and PGC-1α, signaling proteins involved in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis—the cellular program used to build and maintain mitochondria.1
Evidence context: this mechanism was demonstrated in a cell model. It helps explain why PQQ is studied; it should not be read as evidence that supplementation creates new mitochondria in people or produces a specific health outcome.
What have clinical studies found?
Human research includes controlled trials assessing selected cognitive measures at similar daily amounts. These results provide a relevant, but specific, human-evidence signal alongside the mechanistic literature. Our position is grounded in the alignment of biological relevance, controlled human research, and formulation practicality, while keeping each claim within the scope of the studies that support it.
Selective attention and visual-spatial measures
Healthy older adults received 20 mg daily for 12 weeks. The study reported differences in selected measures, including a Stroop interference outcome. The result is most relevant to the population, duration, and cognitive measures studied.2
Multiple cognitive domains in older adults
A 12-week study of 21.5 mg daily reported between-group improvements across several computerized cognitive domains; 58 participants completed the trial. These findings are specific to the study population, dose, duration, and outcomes assessed.3
Age-stratified cognitive outcomes
At 20 mg daily for 12 weeks, researchers reported changes in different cognitive measures by age group. The findings are best interpreted within the specific measures and populations assessed.4
PQQ meets our threshold for inclusion: a distinctive biological role, support from multiple controlled human studies, and research-informed amounts relevant to formulation. We stay grounded in what the evidence supports, without extending claims beyond the current research.
What should you look for on a label?
Named form
Look for a clearly identified PQQ ingredient, commonly PQQ disodium salt, rather than an unexplained proprietary blend.
Amount per serving
Human cognitive studies commonly used about 20–21.5 mg daily for 12 weeks. This is research context, not a personal dose prescription.
Quality transparency
Prefer products that disclose serving size, manufacturing standards, lot testing, and a way to contact the company.
Complete formula
Evaluate every active ingredient and its amount. Evidence for PQQ alone cannot automatically be assigned to a multi-ingredient product.
We use PureQQ®, a branded PQQ disodium salt, because clear ingredient identity and traceability matter in a formula built around research-informed amounts. The disclosed dose, finished-product quality, and supporting evidence give that choice practical meaning.
PQQ should have a job—not a cameo.
In an ESTHELIV formula, PQQ earns a defined role in the cellular-energy strategy. Its form and amount are disclosed, and its contribution is considered alongside the other active ingredients.
Safety assessments across major markets
In the United States, FDA has issued “no questions” response letters to GRAS notices for PQQ disodium salt under specified food-use conditions. The supporting evaluations considered ingredient identity, manufacturing specifications, estimated exposure, toxicology, genotoxicity, and available human data.5
International regulatory context is consistent with use under defined conditions: EFSA concluded that a defined PQQ disodium salt was safe for healthy adults at up to 20 mg daily; Health Canada has licensed oral products providing 20 mg PQQ; and China has authorized PQQ disodium salt as a new food raw material with a recommended intake of no more than 20 mg daily. PQQ products also appear in Japan’s Foods with Function Claims notification system.6789
Follow the product label. PQQ supplements are intended for adults and should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People taking prescription medicines or managing a medical condition should consult a qualified healthcare professional.
PQQ FAQs
Is PQQ the same as CoQ10?+
No. They are chemically distinct. PQQ has been studied in cell models for signaling related to mitochondrial biogenesis, while CoQ10 is a component of the mitochondrial electron-transport chain. They may appear together in a formula, but one does not replace the other.
How much PQQ has been studied in people?+
Several small, short-term adult trials used approximately 20–21.5 mg of PQQ disodium salt daily for 12 weeks. That describes the research—not a universal dose recommendation. Follow the product label and ask a qualified healthcare professional when individual guidance is needed.
When should I take PQQ?+
There is no well-established, evidence-based best time. Consistency and following the product directions matter more than a specific hour. If a formula feels stimulating, taking it earlier in the day may be a practical individual preference.
Is PQQ safe?+
FDA has issued no-questions response letters to GRAS notices for specified uses of PQQ disodium salt, and EFSA concluded that a defined form was safe for healthy adults at up to 20 mg daily under its proposed conditions of use. Follow the product label; pregnancy, breastfeeding, medicines, and medical conditions warrant professional guidance.
References
- Pyrroloquinoline quinone stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis through CREB phosphorylation and increased PGC-1α expressionChowanadisai W, et al. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2010;285(1):142–152.
- Effect of the antioxidant supplement pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt on cognitive functionsItoh Y, et al. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2016;876:319–325.
- Effect of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt on cognitive function in healthy volunteersKoikeda T, et al. Journal of the American Nutrition Association. 2022;41(8):796–803.
- Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt improves brain function in both younger and older adultsTamakoshi M, et al. Food & Function. 2023;14:2496–2501.
- FDA response letter: GRAS Notice No. 641 — pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium saltU.S. Food and Drug Administration. October 14, 2016.
- Safety of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt as a novel foodEFSA Journal. 2017;15(11):5058.
- Licensed Natural Health Product Database — Bio-PQQHealth Canada. Natural Product Number 80030871.
- PQQ disodium salt as a new food raw materialNational Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China.
- Foods with Function Claims notification informationConsumer Affairs Agency, Government of Japan.