Mechanism of Action
PQQ acts as a redox cofactor within the cell. It participates in electron transfer during metabolic reactions, a role comparable to that of B vitamins. Its distinguishing feature is catalytic stability: it can perform thousands of redox cycles without degradation, whereas other cofactors are consumed after a single cycle.
At the cellular level, PQQ supports the signaling that activates the formation of new mitochondria (the organelles responsible for energy production). This renewal process is essential for maintaining the energy capacity of tissues with high metabolic demand such as the heart, brain and muscles.
PQQ also contributes to the cell's antioxidant defenses by neutralizing free radicals generated during energy metabolism.
Key Benefits
- Moderate
Better-preserved memory and attention: a placebo-controlled trial in 41 older adults measured significant cognitive gains after 12 weeks at 20 mg/day of PQQ.
- Moderate
Less background inflammation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial in 17 subjects measured a significant drop in C-reactive protein, a blood marker of inflammation. Urinary markers of energy metabolism improved in parallel.
- Moderate
Faster sleep onset and longer sleep: a controlled study in 41 healthy subjects measured reduced sleep-onset latency and increased sleep duration after 8 weeks at 20 mg/day.
- Emerging
Lower LDL cholesterol: preliminary clinical trials observed a reduction in LDL cholesterol in subjects taking 20 mg/day for 6 to 12 weeks.
- Emerging
Cells producing energy more efficiently: in healthy adults, clinical research observed improved markers of cellular energy metabolism, reflecting mitochondrial function.
Dosage & Forms
PQQ is available primarily in two supplemental forms: the disodium salt (PQQ disodium) and the free acid form. The disodium form offers better solubility and superior stability, making it the most widely used form in clinical trials.
Human studies use doses ranging from 10 to 20 mg per day, with the majority of significant effects observed at 20 mg/day.
PQQ is produced through bacterial fermentation (Hyphomicrobium denitrificans), a process that ensures high purity and reproducible production. Singular selects MGCPQQ®, the disodium dihydrate form, for its documented bioavailability and Novel Food compliance (EU authorization since 2018).
In the Singular Formula
Inclusion rationale
Redox cofactor discovered in 1979 and characterized as a new class of coenzyme in 2003. Pyrroloquinoline quinone is naturally present in kiwi, parsley, green tea and breast milk, generally in minute quantities (nanograms per gram). It is one of the few redox cofactors identified since the last vitamin was discovered. PQQ stands out for its exceptional stability: it can perform thousands of redox cycles without degradation, whereas other antioxidants such as vitamin C are consumed after a single cycle. Research is particularly interested in its role in mitochondrial biogenesis, the process by which cells generate new mitochondria. The number and quality of mitochondria decline with age, a process that directly contributes to the loss of cellular energy. In the formula, PQQ forms a complementary duo with nicotinamide riboside (NR): NR fuels the NAD+ pathway for energy production in existing mitochondria, while PQQ supports the renewal of the mitochondrial pool itself. This complementarity between energy production and renewal of the energy infrastructure reflects an integrated approach to cellular metabolism. The formula uses MGCPQQ®, the pyrroloquinoline quinone produced by bacterial fermentation rather than chemical synthesis, and the form on which the main clinical trials rely.
Selected form
MGCPQQ®, the pyrroloquinoline quinone produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical. It comes as a disodium dihydrate, obtained through bacterial fermentation rather than chemical synthesis. PQQ is a redox cofactor with a tricyclic aromatic structure, naturally present in trace amounts in certain foods (kiwi, parsley, green tea, breast milk). Its disodium form ensures optimal stability and solubility for oral absorption, and remains the form used in the majority of published clinical trials. Quality: non-GMO.
Formula dosage
0 to 20 mg.
Synergies in the formula
Safety & Precautions
PQQ has a favorable safety profile at studied doses (10 to 20 mg/day). Available clinical trials report tolerability comparable to placebo, with no significant adverse effects.
PQQ disodium obtained Novel Food status in the European Union (2018), based on comprehensive toxicological studies including genotoxicity, subacute and chronic toxicity testing. No notable drug interactions are documented to date.
As a precaution, supplementation is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children, due to the absence of specific data in these populations. Individuals on regular medication are advised to consult a healthcare professional before use.
Scientific Studies
| Authors | Year | Type | Journal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Itoh Y et al. | 2016 | Randomised Controlled Trial | Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology | View on PubMed |
Effect of the Antioxidant Supplement Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt (BioPQQ™) on Cognitive Functions Double-blind randomized trial in 41 older subjects showing significant improvement in selective attention and visuospatial cognition after 12 weeks of PQQ at 20 mg/day. | ||||
| Shiojima Y et al. | 2022 | Randomised Controlled Trial | Journal of the American Nutritional Association | View on PubMed |
Effect of Dietary Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt on Cognitive Function in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study Randomized double-blind trial confirming cognitive function improvement in healthy volunteers supplemented with PQQ disodium salt. | ||||
| Harris CB et al. | 2013 | Randomised Controlled Trial | Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry | View on PubMed |
Dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) alters indicators of inflammation and mitochondrial-related metabolism in human subjects Controlled trial in 10 subjects showing that PQQ supplementation reduces plasma CRP and alters urinary metabolites related to mitochondrial metabolism. | ||||
| Nakano M et al. | 2015 | Randomised Controlled Trial | Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology | View on PubMed |
Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt Intake on the Serum Cholesterol Levels of Healthy Japanese Adults Randomized double-blind trial observing LDL cholesterol reduction in healthy subjects after 12 weeks of PQQ at 20 mg/day. | ||||
| Hwang PS et al. | 2020 | Randomised Controlled Trial | Journal of the American College of Nutrition | View on PubMed |
Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) Supplementation on Aerobic Exercise Performance and Indices of Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Untrained Men Randomized trial evaluating PQQ effects on aerobic performance and mitochondrial biogenesis indices in untrained men. | ||||
| Jonscher KR et al. | 2021 | Systematic Review | Biomolecules | View on PubMed |
Pyrroloquinoline-Quinone Is More Than an Antioxidant: A Vitamin-like Accessory Factor Important in Health and Disease Prevention Comprehensive review covering PQQ mechanisms of action, its role in mitochondrial biogenesis and available clinical data in humans. | ||||
| Rucker R et al. | 2009 | Systematic Review | Alternative Medicine Review | View on PubMed |
Potential physiological importance of pyrroloquinoline quinone Foundational article synthesizing PQQ biological status as a redox cofactor and early data on its role in energy metabolism. | ||||