PQQ
Supplements · Antioxidants · Supplement, Typed Supps
A newer compound studied for supporting cell energy production.
Stage by stage
- Intake (Capsule): Absorbed in the small intestine.
- Small intestine (Absorbed): Absorbed in the small intestine.
- Bloodstream (Antioxidant activity): Circulates with antioxidant activity.
- Mitochondria (Early-stage research): Studied for a possible role in supporting new mitochondria growth, though evidence is still early-stage.
What the evidence supports
- Improving cognition, attention and memory — limited evidence. A handful of small trials, several manufacturer-linked, suggest modest cognitive changes, mostly in older adults. Too few and too small to be settled.
- Boosting energy or reducing fatigue — insufficient evidence. The mitochondrial-biogenesis rationale is largely preclinical; human energy or fatigue outcomes are not established.
- Evidence on Safety at supplement doses — moderate evidence. EFSA cleared the BioPQQ disodium salt as a novel food up to 20 mg/day, though long-term human data remain limited.
Typical dose
10–20 mg daily
Upper limit: EFSA set the maximum use level for the BioPQQ novel food at 20 mg/day
Timing
With food, standard dosing.
Time to effect
- Unclear: Human research is still limited compared to more established antioxidants.
Common myth
“PQQ is a proven anti-ageing compound.” In reality: Most dramatic claims come from animal or cell studies — human evidence is still preliminary.
More in Antioxidants
In the glossary
Sources