PQQ is one of the less familiar names on a supplement label, but it’s become a popular addition to energy and healthy-ageing formulas in recent years. This page explains what PQQ actually is, why it’s usually paired with other ingredients like CoQ10, and what’s honestly known about its benefits, dosage and safety.
What Is PQQ?
PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is a naturally occurring compound found in small amounts in various plant foods, including parsley, kiwi fruit, green tea and fermented soy products. It’s classed as a redox cofactor — a molecule involved in electron-transfer reactions in cells — and has drawn research interest for its potential role in supporting mitochondrial function, the process by which cells generate energy.
“Liposomal” PQQ means the compound has been encapsulated inside microscopic phospholipid spheres before you take it. For the general mechanism behind that process, see our page on the science behind liposomal technology. This page focuses on what’s known about PQQ specifically.
Why Liposomal Delivery Matters for PQQ
PQQ is a newer, less-studied ingredient than something like vitamin C or glutathione, and honestly, PQQ-specific human absorption data is more limited than for many longer-established nutrients. The general rationale for liposomal delivery — protecting a compound from digestive breakdown and supporting cellular uptake — is a reasonable extension of what’s understood about liposomal encapsulation broadly, but the body of PQQ-specific comparative research is still developing, so we’d rather be upfront about that than overstate it. What’s more consistently understood is PQQ’s proposed biological role in supporting mitochondrial function once it reaches the cell.
Potential Benefits of PQQ
Research interest in PQQ centres mainly on cellular energy production and antioxidant activity. Areas of general interest include:
- Mitochondrial support: PQQ has been studied for a potential role in supporting mitochondrial biogenesis — the process by which cells generate new mitochondria — which is of particular interest for general energy and vitality.
- Antioxidant activity: PQQ has antioxidant properties and may help support the body’s defence against oxidative stress.
- Cognitive and cellular health interest: some early research has explored PQQ in relation to cognitive function and neuronal health, though this area is still emerging and far from settled.
PQQ research in humans is still a relatively young field compared with better-established nutrients. These are general, hedged descriptions of an area of active interest, not settled clinical outcomes.
PQQ and CoQ10: Why They’re Often Paired
You’ll notice PQQ rarely appears alone in a formula — it’s very commonly paired with CoQ10. The general formulation logic is that both compounds are involved in different aspects of mitochondrial function: CoQ10 plays a direct, well-established role in the cellular energy production chain, while PQQ is studied for its proposed role in supporting the creation of new mitochondria. Pairing them is a common approach in the energy-support supplement category, reflecting complementary (not identical) proposed mechanisms — though, as with any combination formula, this is a formulation rationale rather than a guarantee of an amplified effect. Read more about CoQ10 on our liposomal CoQ10 guide.
Typical Dosage
There’s no official dietary requirement for PQQ. General market products commonly range from around 10 mg to 20 mg per day.
This is general education, not a personalised recommendation. Always follow the dosage stated on the specific Supremo product label you’re using, and consult a healthcare provider before starting — particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, on chronic medication, or managing a medical condition.
Safety & Who Should Be Cautious
PQQ is generally considered well tolerated at typical supplemental doses in the research available so far, though the overall safety data set is smaller than for more established nutrients. A few groups should take particular care and speak with a healthcare provider before use:
- Anyone pregnant or nursing — PQQ hasn’t been extensively studied in these groups, so caution and medical guidance are advised.
- Anyone on chronic medication, since PQQ’s interaction profile with common medications hasn’t been extensively characterised.
- Anyone managing an existing medical condition, particularly involving the liver or kidneys.
Liposomal PQQ in the Supremo Range
Three formulas in the Supremo Liposomal range currently include PQQ:
- Supremo Liposomal Delux — an all-in-one formula combining PQQ with Glutathione, Methylated B-Complex, CoQ10, Pine Bark Extract and Vitamin C.
- Supremo Liposomal Pqq — built around PQQ, CoQ10 and Pine Bark Extract for cellular energy and antioxidant support.
- Supremo Liposomal Men’s 40+ — combines PQQ with CoQ10, Creatine and Magnesium for a formula aimed at men over 40.
Each product page lists the full ingredient panel and dosage for that formula — check the label and choose based on which combination matches what you’re looking for.
Research & Further Reading
PQQ is a newer research area, so we’d rather point to a couple of specific sources than lean on vague “studies show” language. Here’s what they actually found:
- A 2018 review in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition discusses the proposed mechanisms behind PQQ and mitochondrial biogenesis (via PGC-1α and AMPK signalling) in skeletal muscle, while noting that research combining PQQ with exercise is still limited.
- A small randomized, placebo-controlled trial gave a PQQ mixture to 34 older adults with mild cognitive impairment for six weeks and found improvement on one cognitive measure (orientation) and in brain oxygenation, but the authors were clear that the small number of participants limits how far the results can be generalised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PQQ and where does it come from?
PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is a naturally occurring compound found in trace amounts in foods like parsley, kiwi fruit and fermented soy. It’s studied mainly for its proposed role in supporting mitochondrial function, the process cells use to generate energy.
Why is PQQ often paired with CoQ10?
PQQ and CoQ10 are studied for complementary, though not identical, roles in mitochondrial health — CoQ10 in the established cellular energy chain, and PQQ in the proposed process of generating new mitochondria. Formulators commonly pair them for this reason, though this is a formulation rationale rather than a guaranteed combined effect.
Is there solid research behind PQQ supplementation?
PQQ is a genuinely newer, less-studied ingredient compared with nutrients like vitamin C or magnesium. Early research is interesting but the evidence base, particularly in humans, is still developing — we’d rather be upfront about that than overstate what’s currently known.
Nothing on this page is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For more general questions, see our Liposomal Supplements FAQ, or browse our full liposomal product range.