Does PQQ support cognition?

In the 2022 randomized, placebo-controlled trial noted above (PMID 34415830), PQQ disodium salt was associated with improvements across several cognitive measures, including memory and attention, over 12 weeks in older adults experiencing age-related forgetfulness. As a structure/function consideration, PQQ may help support cognitive performance. It is not a treatment for any condition, and effects in younger or different populations are less studied.

Is PQQ the same as CoQ10?

No, though they are sometimes paired. PQQ and CoQ10 are distinct compounds with different chemistry, and some products combine them on the rationale that they support mitochondrial-related processes through different routes. If you are considering a combination product, the form and dose of each ingredient still matter individually.

What is a typical PQQ dose?

Human studies have commonly used amounts around 20 mg per day; the 2022 trial above used 21.5 mg/day of the disodium salt. The most appropriate amount depends on your goals and individual factors. As with any supplement, confirming an approach with a healthcare provider is the most reliable path, particularly if you take other supplements or medications.

Is PQQ safe to take daily?

Short-term human trials of PQQ disodium salt have generally reported good tolerability at the studied doses, though long-term safety data are limited. People who are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications should consult a healthcare provider before starting. Start at a standard amount rather than exceeding the doses used in research.

Moderate Evidence

Best Form of PQQ: A Clinical Guide

PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is sold mainly as a disodium salt, the form that appears in human research, with some products offering a free-acid version. This guide explains why the salt form dominates the studies and what the human data actually show, so you can match the form on your label to the form that was tested.

Updated 2026 · Reviewed by Dr. Brennan Commerford, D.C.

All Forms Ranked by Evidence

—
Verification pendingFF Preferred
Micro PQQ
Form: Extract
Evidence for this form is under review — no score is shown until it is verified.
—
Verification pending
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
Form: Pyrroloquinoline Quinone
Evidence for this form is under review — no score is shown until it is verified.
—
Verification pending
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)
Form: disodium-salt
Evidence for this form is under review — no score is shown until it is verified.

Editorial note

The disodium salt of pyrroloquinoline quinone is the stable, water-soluble form used in the human cognitive trials, including a 2022 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Free-acid PQQ is less stable and less represented in the clinical literature.

All Forms Compared

PQQ Disodium Salt

Best For

Cognitive support, mitochondrial-health stacks

A 2022 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 58 older adults (PMID 34415830) using 21.5 mg/day of PQQ disodium salt reported improvements across several cognitive measures over 12 weeks.

PQQ (Free Acid)

Best For

Those specifically seeking a non-salt form

The free-acid form is less water-soluble and less stable than the disodium salt, and is less represented in the human clinical literature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What PQQ form is used in studies?: The human cognitive research uses PQQ disodium salt — the stable, water-soluble form. For example, a 2022 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 58 older adults (PMID 34415830) used 21.5 mg per day of the disodium salt. When choosing a product, matching that studied form is the most evidence-aligned approach.
Does PQQ support cognition?: In the 2022 randomized, placebo-controlled trial noted above (PMID 34415830), PQQ disodium salt was associated with improvements across several cognitive measures, including memory and attention, over 12 weeks in older adults experiencing age-related forgetfulness. As a structure/function consideration, PQQ may help support cognitive performance. It is not a treatment for any condition, and effects in younger or different populations are less studied.
Is PQQ the same as CoQ10?: No, though they are sometimes paired. PQQ and CoQ10 are distinct compounds with different chemistry, and some products combine them on the rationale that they support mitochondrial-related processes through different routes. If you are considering a combination product, the form and dose of each ingredient still matter individually.
What is a typical PQQ dose?: Human studies have commonly used amounts around 20 mg per day; the 2022 trial above used 21.5 mg/day of the disodium salt. The most appropriate amount depends on your goals and individual factors. As with any supplement, confirming an approach with a healthcare provider is the most reliable path, particularly if you take other supplements or medications.
Is PQQ safe to take daily?: Short-term human trials of PQQ disodium salt have generally reported good tolerability at the studied doses, though long-term safety data are limited. People who are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications should consult a healthcare provider before starting. Start at a standard amount rather than exceeding the doses used in research.

See how PQQ Disodium Salt fits your formula

Preview a personalized formula using research-backed dosing.

Preview your formula →

Deep dive: PQQ Disodium Salt research

Full ingredient spotlight with citations

View spotlight

FormulaForge formulates and sells supplements containing the ingredients discussed on this page. Our formulary recommendations are based on peer-reviewed bioavailability research. All cited studies are independently verifiable.

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.