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Pyrroloquinoline quinone, a.k.a PQQ, exists in many foods, including soybeans and spinach. This compound is also naturally in soil and possesses a vitamin-like function. Its popularity health and wellness world is increasing. In this article, we’ll learn its benefits and the best PQQ supplements in the market.
PQQ’s most well-known attribute is its antioxidant effects, which help to protect the body against free radicals [1]. Additionally, its antioxidant potency is said to be more effective than vitamin C in fighting the free radicals in the body [2].
Moreover, early research suggests that PQQ may aid in reducing inflammation. A small study involving 10 people shows that taking a PQQ supplement lowered certain inflammation markers significantly [3]. However, more research is needed to get stronger data on how PQQ impacts inflammation.
Now, let’s take a look at the 5 best PQQ supplements and how they may boost your overall well-being.
Quick Summary
PQQ Supplement with CoQ10: Doctor’s Best, High Absorption CoQ10 Plus PQQ
Best PQQ Supplement with Added Vitamins: Pure Encapsulations Ultra B-Complex with PQQ
Most Affordable PQQ Supplement: Double Wood Supplements PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline quinone)
| Product Name | PQQ Content | Price/Amount | Directions To Use |
| Double Wood Supplements PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline quinone) | 20 mg | ~$20/60 capsules | Take 1 to 2 capsules daily on an empty stomach |
| Lake Avenue Nutrition, PQQ | 20 mg | ~$22/60 capsules | Take 1 capsule daily with or without food |
| Doctor’s Best, High Absorption CoQ10 Plus PQQ | 20 mg | ~$36/60 capsules | Take 1 capsule daily, preferably with food for maximum absorption |
| California Gold Nutrition, PQQ | 20 mg | ~$36/90 capsules | Take 1 softgel daily with food |
| Pure Encapsulations Ultra B-Complex with PQQ | 10 mg | ~$81/60 capsules | Take 1 capsule once to twice daily, with meal |
Best PQQ Supplements
Double Wood Supplements PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline quinone)
PQQ CONTENT PER SERVING:
20 mg
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$20/60 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 1 to 2 capsules daily on an empty stomach
PROS:
- Non-GMO
- No gluten and soy
- Suitable for vegans
CONS:
- A bit pricey
Double Wood Supplements takes pride in being transparent about its products. Although fairly new in the industry, it has become a trusted brand. Its single-ingredient supplements also come with Certificates of Analysis and third-party testing results. As such, users are guaranteed purity, potency, and quality. This PQQ supplement is no different.
According to the brand, taking its PQQ capsules may support cognitive health, thanks to its neuroprotective properties and cardiovascular health. Additionally, it may aid mitochondrial biogenesis, leading to better support for energy production.
Regarding user feedback, there are over 1,300 ratings on different platforms, and the majority are positive. Some said it boosts their energy, while others mentioned it improves cognitive functions, like memory and clarity. Many also said it’s great for their overall health.
Lake Avenue Nutrition, PQQ
PQQ CONTENT PER SERVING:
20 mg
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$22/60 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 1 capsule daily with or without food
PROS:
- Suitable for both vegans and vegetarians
- Non-GMO
- Soy-free and gluten-free
CONS:
- Not a lot of brand details compared to others
- It’s quite pricey
Lake Avenue Nutrition is part of the iHerb family of supplement brands. iHerb is trusted in the health and wellness community for a variety of reasons, including the quality of its products. Like other products under the brand’s umbrella, this PQQ supplement is also quality tested and is made with quality ingredients.
Featuring antioxidant properties, it may help users with their overall health. Plus, it may also support mitochondrial functions, which can result in a boost in energy. As for the feedback, many users seem content with this PQQ supplement.
The majority of people said this gave them better energy, which led to lowering or completely eliminating their fatigue. Some also mentioned it helps with brain functions, including giving them more mental clarity.
Doctor’s Best, High Absorption CoQ10 Plus PQQ
PQQ CONTENT PER SERVING:
20 mg
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$36/60 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 1 capsule daily, preferably with food for maximum absorption
PROS:
- No gluten or soy
- Non-GMO
- Suitable for vegans
CONS:
- It’s expensive
Despite being in the business for over 30 years, Doctor’s Best continues to provide supplements rooted in a science-based approach. According to the brand, its products undergo third-party testing to ensure quality and potency. Additionally, it sources prime ingredients to create consistent quality and efficacy. And this supplement is no exception.
It contains 20 mg of PQQ and 100 mg of Coenzyme Q10, resulting in more benefit possibilities for its users. Accordingly, taking this may boost the production of new mitochondria and support the central nervous system. Furthermore, it might help promote cardiovascular health and improve cognitive functions. It also helps restore the depleted CoQ10 caused by aging and stabilize cell membranes.
Overall, the combination of the two compounds may help improve memory, focus, and recall and support cellular energy. Plus, this supplement is formulated with BioPerine®, enhancing absorption and bioavailability. Regarding user feedback, the consensus is positive since many said it helps with their brain functions. A lot also said it gives them a boost of energy.
California Gold Nutrition, PQQ
PQQ CONTENT PER SERVING:
20 mg
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$36/90 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 1 softgel daily with food
PROS:
- Free of gluten and soy
- No GMOs
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
CONS:
- It’s very pricey
Founded in 2013, California Gold Nutrition commits itself to produce supplements to help its users reach optimal health. The products go through third-party testing to guarantee the quality, safety, and efficacy. Also, to ensure the purity and identity of the ingredients, the supplements are tested using microbial and heavy metal analysis. Such is the case for this PQQ supplement.
Taking these PQQ capsules may result in better brain health by rejuvenating it. Plus, it might boost your body’s energy production, thanks to its impact on the mitochondria. Its antioxidants may also improve your overall health.
As for user feedback, many are satisfied. They said it’s great for increasing energy levels and improving brain functions. Some also mentioned using it for anti-aging purposes.
Pure Encapsulations Ultra B-Complex with PQQ
PQQ CONTENT PER SERVING:
10 mg
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$81/60 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 1 capsule once to twice daily, with meal
PROS:
- Vegetarian capsules
- Hypoallergenic
- Added nutrients
CONS:
- It’s very expensive
Pure Encapsulations is a brand well-known for its high-quality supplements, and this one is no different. It’s hypoallergenic, which means it’s made without common food allergens. Not to mention, it’s made with the most bioavailable ingredients.
Aside from PQQ, this supplement also contains other nutrients. It has B complex vitamins to further increase its value and health benefits. Working together, users may feel a boost in their overall health, thanks to the increased antioxidant and cellular support.
When it comes to feedback, it’s a bit scarce. However, from what’s available on different platforms, many seem to like it.
How to Choose the Best PQQ Supplements
Here are a few reminders to help you select the best PQQ supplement for your needs:
Trusted Brand – Choosing a PQQ supplement from a trusted brand is a must because the formulas are rooted in science and research. Trusted brands also have the resources, capacity, and high standards to ensure the quality and safety of their products. Thus, minimizing the risks.
Quality Ingredients – As PQQ supplements show an effect on overall health, including cognitive functions, it’s best to look at the quality of ingredients used. You can do this by researching the brand or checking if the product has gone through testing. Supplements that underwent tests most likely have been assured for quality, purity, and potency.
User Feedback – Another factor you can look at is verified user feedback. Knowing its real-life effect gives you an idea of whether a certain PQQ supplement is right for you or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PQQ supplements worth taking?
Based on the research and studies available, PQQ offers many benefits, including the ones discussed in the first part of this article. For instance, some studies show its effect on mitochondrial growth or function.
Mitochondria produce cellular energy that the body requires to function better and stay healthy. A study shows that the 17 participants who took 20 mg PQQ daily experienced better sleep quality and improved fatigue [4]. Although, more conclusive evidence is needed to delve deeper into PQQ benefits.
Which is better PQQ or CoQ10?
Well, they may have the same impact on the body because they both improve energy production at the cellular level. Additionally, they provide many health and wellness benefits. The choice may come down to your preference, the doctor’s advice, or how your body reacts.
How much PQQ should I take daily?
This depends on the dosage recommendation of your chosen PQQ supplement brand. If you’re unsure, you could always consult a professional, especially if you’re taking other medications.
Moreover, it’s best to stick to the recommendations of the brand or doctor since there are insufficient studies regarding the side effects of PQQ supplements.
Can I take PQQ and CoQ10 together?
Yes, because they have a synergistic impact. PQQ supports the growth of mitochondria, while CoQ10 focuses on its efficiency and speed. Some supplements, like the one we listed, even combine both into one product.
Bottomline: Best PQQ Supplements
PQQ’s popularity is increasing, thanks to the multitude of benefits it provides its users. It affects the brain and protects the body through its antioxidant properties. We’ve listed the best PQQ supplements that may help you improve your health. Hopefully, you will find the right one for you!
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing. We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at no extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Zhang, L., Liu, J., Cheng, C., Yuan, Y., Yu, B., Shen, A., & Yan, M. (2012). The neuroprotective effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone on traumatic brain injury. Journal of neurotrauma, 29(5), 851–864. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2011.1882
- Paz, M. A., Flückiger, R., Boak, A., Kagan, H. M., & Gallop, P. M. (1991). Specific detection of quinoproteins by redox-cycling staining. The Journal of biological chemistry, 266(2), 689–692.
- Harris, C. B., Chowanadisai, W., Mishchuk, D. O., Satre, M. A., Slupsky, C. M., & Rucker, R. B. (2013). Dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) alters indicators of inflammation and mitochondrial-related metabolism in human subjects. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 24(12), 2076–2084. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2013.07.008
- Nakano, M., Yamamoto, T., Okamura, H., Tsuda, A., & Kowatari, Y. (2012, August 31). Effects of Oral Supplementation with Pyrroloquinoline Quinone on Stress, Fatigue, and Sleep | Nakano | Functional Foods in Health and Disease. https://www.ffhdj.com/index.php/ffhd/article/view/81/175
