What Is PQQ and Why It Matters
If you’re not familiar with the essential nutrient PQQ, then you’re not alone. PQQ, or Pyrroloquinoline Quinone, is a rapidly emerging dietary ingredient found in nature in nano quantities and is an essential micronutrient in living organisms.
PQQ can be found in the cells of our bodies, where it protects and restores mitochondria for optimal cellular energy (ATP) production. It is a powerful antioxidant and stimulates the growth and replication of mitochondria — the tiny “powerhouses” of our cells. PQQ also promotes the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), helping to restore nerve cells and nerve endings. These vital roles make PQQ a standout ingredient for supporting brain, heart, and metabolic health, and a key driver of innovation in sports nutrition and nootropics.
Energizing Cells & Innovation
What makes PQQ so remarkable is its duality. It behaves as both a potent antioxidant and a biogenesis stimulator, helping to repair and regenerate mitochondria while neutralizing free radicals that damage them. This unique combination gives PQQ a role across an impressive range of applications, from supporting brain and heart health to boosting endurance and recovery in sports nutrition.
Recent studies have drawn attention to its ability to enhance lipid metabolism and improve β-oxidation, aiding in more efficient fat utilization and energy production. According to the 2023 Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences review “Pyrroloquinoline-quinone to reduce fat accumulation and ameliorate obesity progression” (Mohamad Ishak & Ikemoto), PQQ supports mitochondrial biogenesis, improves lipid metabolism and β-oxidation, and mitigates obesity-related inflammation. These findings highlight its growing appeal for metabolic wellness, weight management, and longevity formulations seeking to deliver both vitality and cellular protection.
This versatility translates directly into formulation potential for developers looking to create energy, endurance, or cognitive-support products.
Formulating with PQQ
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) is available in two main forms:
- PQQ Disodium Salt – a water dispersible, reddish-brown, free-flowing powder
- PQQ Acid – an oil soluble, reddish-brown, free flowing powder
PQQ Disodium Salt vs Acid:
PQQ Disodium Salt is highly stable with a three-year shelf life, and can easily be incorporated into powdered drink mixes, tablets, capsules, chewables, effervescent tablets, candy, and gummies.
PQQ Acid, by contrast, can be used in oil-based systems such as chocolates, softgels, and tinctures. It can also be emulsified for ready-to-drink beverages and other water-based foods and beverages.
PQQ Formulation Tips:
At the recommended PQQ dosage of 10–20 mg per day, its mild, earthy taste is easily masked in most applications. At these levels, PQQ dosage in supplements offers optimal bioavailability and taste balance, making it easy to formulate effective functional foods and beverages.
Both forms of PQQ supplied by HOWTIAN are self-affirmed GRAS with the FDA, offering flexibility across food, beverage, and supplement platforms. HOWTIAN’s branded PureQQ® delivers consistent quality and high bioavailability for superior product performance.
From Research to Real-World Innovation
The market momentum behind PQQ is growing rapidly. According to Innova Market Insights’ 2025 Functional Ingredients Report, product launches featuring PQQ have increased steadily across categories such as energy beverages, cognitive support supplements, and women’s wellness products. In these formulations, PQQ is often paired with CoQ10, caffeine, B vitamins, taurine, or electrolytes to deliver both immediate and sustained energy support — meeting consumer demand for cleaner, science-backed functional ingredients.
PQQ vs CoQ10: A Synergistic Partnership
While PQQ may not yet have the same name recognition as its “cousin,” Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), the two are far from competitors. In fact, they are synergistic partners in mitochondrial health.
| PQQ | CoQ10 |
| Stimulates new mitochondrial growth | Supports mitochondrial protection and energy transfer |
| Enhances lipid metabolism and β-oxidation | Functions as an electron carrier in ATP production |
| Protects mitochondrial DNA and reduces oxidative stress | Mitigates oxidation and inflammation in tissues |
Together, they form a dynamic duo that supports mitochondrial regeneration, energy conversion, and long-term cellular protection — a true example of PQQ + CoQ10 synergy.
Research continues to underscore their complementary roles. The 2023 Cellular and Molecular Biology study “Effects of PQQ and Coenzyme Q10 on Mitochondrial Genes, MitomiRs and Cellular Properties in HepG2 Cell Line” (Nalbant & Eroğlu) showed that both PQQ and PQQ + CoQ10 combinations increased PGC-1α expression and wound closure versus control, while CoQ10 alone decreased wound closure in that model, demonstrating that PQQ amplifies CoQ10’s benefits by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and recovery.
Additional studies reinforce this interplay. A 2024 Antioxidants review by Charrier et al. reported that PQQ protects mitochondrial DNA, maintains membrane potential, and reduces oxidative stress, complementing CoQ10’s antioxidative role in electron transport. And a 2025 Biology of Reproduction review found that PQQ and CoQ10 together improved reproductive health outcomes and reduced oxidative damage in maternal obesity models.
Collectively, this growing body of evidence positions PQQ as an essential cofactor in energy metabolism, enhancing CoQ10’s efficiency while introducing its own regenerative and neuroprotective capabilities, thus, making PureQQ® ideal for sports nutrition, nootropics, and longevity formulations.
Formulation Example: Energy Nut Bar with PQQ & CoQ10
Bars make ideal delivery systems for energy ingredients, and this updated concept showcases how PQQ and CoQ10 can work together in a convenient, delicious format.
Formulation Highlights:
- PQQ and CoQ10 combined for enhanced mitochondrial energy and antioxidant protection
- SoPure™ Stevia Reb A and IMO syrup reduce added sugars while maintaining taste and texture
- Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) serves as a natural preservative and nutritional enhancer
- Each bar delivers sustained functional energy and indulgent flavor, finished with a light chocolate drizzle
This prototype received outstanding feedback for its clean taste, balanced nutrition, and commercial readiness, a perfect example of how HOWTIAN and PureQQ® help brands translate science into shelf-ready innovation.
PQQ Formulation Solutions
HOWTIAN supplies both PureQQ® PQQ Disodium Salt and PQQ Acid as stand-alone bulk ingredients for seamless integration into a wide range of product applications. Whether you’re developing sports nutrition, nootropic, or longevity formulations, our PureQQ® solutions deliver proven stability, flexibility, and performance.
Need help crafting your own formula for success? Contact one of HOWTIAN’s expert consultants for your next innovation in PQQ and CoQ10 synergy.