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PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) for Age-Related Cognitive Decline

C

A double-blind RCT of 64 subjects found 21.5 mg/day PQQ improved memory, attention, and cognitive function after 12 weeks. A separate trial in MCI patients showed cerebral oxygenation increased from 48.4% to 52.8%.

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The Bottom Line

            
            
A double-blind RCT of 64 subjects found 21.5 mg/day PQQ improved memory, attention, and cognitive function after 12 weeks. A separate trial in MCI patients showed cerebral oxygenation increased from 48.4% to 52.8%.

            
            
        

    










    

  
Key Study Findings





    

        
        

            

                
                    Randomized Controlled Trial
                
                
                
                6 weeks
                
                
                Double-blind
                
            

            
                The impact of six-week dihydrogen-pyrroloquinoline quinone supplementation on mitochondrial biomarkers, brain metabolism, and cognition in …
            
            

                
                Dose: None
                
                
                vs: Placebo
                
                
                Outcome: Cognitive function
                
                
                Effect: None
                
                
                P = 0.01
                
            

            
            
Population: Alzheimer's disease patients

            
        

        
    







    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
4

        
Studies

    

    

        
200

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↑
            
        
        
Positive

    

    

        C

        
Grade

    




        


        
        
        

            

  
Referenced Papers





            

                
                

                    

                        
                            The impact of six-week dihydrogen-pyrroloquinoline quinone supplementation on mitochondrial biomarkers, brain metabolism, and cognition in elderly individuals with mild cognitive …
                        
                        
                            
                                RCT
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    

                    

                        The journal of …
                        2024
                        
                        6 citations
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
general:

                        
10-20 mg/day

                    

                    
                    

                        
cognitivesupport:

                        
20 mg/day

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: Not established; well-tolerated up to 60 mg/day
                

                
            

            

            
            

                
Dosages Studied in Research

                

                    

                        
                            

                                Dosage
                                Duration
                                Effect
                                N
                            

                        
                        
                            
                            

                                None
                                6 weeks
                                
                                    
                                    Neutral
                                    
                                
                                --
                            

                            
                        
                    

                

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: With meals
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Headache
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Insomnia
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Mild fatigue
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            No significant drug interactions established
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    

                        Tolerable upper intake: Not established; well-tolerated up to 60 mg/day
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) help with Age-Related Cognitive Decline?
            
        
        

            Based on 4 studies with 200 participants, there is limited but promising evidence that PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) may support Age-Related Cognitive Decline management. Our evidence grade is C (Some Evidence).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) should I take for Age-Related Cognitive Decline?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 10-20 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Headache, Insomnia, Mild fatigue. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) and Age-Related Cognitive Decline?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade C (Some Evidence). This rating is based on 4 peer-reviewed studies with 200 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Related Evidence





            

                
                
                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    












    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.