PQQ: A “New Vitamin” for Brain Health and Mitochondrial Support

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a vitamin-like nutrient that plays a role in several biological processes. Although PQQ is not a vitamin, the absence of it can elicit a response similar to vitamin-related deficiencies, suggesting its importance in the human body. Some of PQQ's key functions include diminishing oxidative stress from harmful free radicals, supporting healthy mitochondrial function, and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis—the formation of new mitochondria. These biological actions have led researchers to study PQQ in a variety of fields, with evidence showing that PQQ supports cognitive, immune, and metabolic health.*  

Although much of the research on PQQ has been done with animals, emerging studies have found benefits to human health. A 2023 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical found that adults aged 20 to 65 who took 20 mg of PQQ per day for 12 weeks had improvements in their cognitive function. Younger adults (age 20 to 40) had significantly improved cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and execution speed after just eight weeks of PQQ supplementation. Conversely, the older adults (aged 41 to 65) in the study showed improved complex and verbal memory from taking PQQ for 12 weeks.* 

Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial found that healthy adults aged 40 to 80 who supplemented with 21.5 mg per day of PQQ for 12 weeks had significantly improved scores of memory, attention, judgment, and cognitive function compared to those taking a placebo.*  

It’s thought that PQQ provides support for neurological function primarily due to its antioxidant action and ability  to support healthy metabolic and mitochondrial function—important for maintaining healthy neurons.*  

PQQ may also play a significant role in healthy aging, as it’s been shown to help boost the activity of sirtuins, a family of proteins that have been found to counteract several aspects of the aging process. Other research has shown that PQQ may positively impact the body’s inflammatory pathways.*  

Although we make some PQQ naturally in our bodies—and it’s present in some foods like kiwi, papaya, and fermented soybeans called natto—many people don’t consume high amounts of PQQ in their daily lives. For example, kiwi only have about 2 micrograms of PQQ per fruit, while some researchers state that the baseline intake level of PQQ is considered to be 20 milligrams per day. 

While more research in humans is needed, the evidence so far suggests that PQQ can support your body’s overall antioxidant potential, mitochondrial health, and cognitive function—all of which are vital components of healthy aging.* 

—

 * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.