Pyrroloquinoline Quinone for Cognition

A 2022 study found that 21.5mg of Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) daily significantly improved cognition and memory compared to placebo over 12 weeks in health adults 40 to <80 years old. PQQ is an antioxidant found in fruits, vegetables and tea among other foods. The highest content of PQQ has been found in fermented soybeans (natto). PQQ may cause headaches or other side effects.

Shiojima Y, Takahashi M, Takahashi R, Moriyama H, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Akanuma M. Effect of Dietary Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt on Cognitive Function in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study. J Am Nutr Assoc. 2022 Nov-Dec;41(8):796-809. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2021.1962770. Epub 2021 Aug 20. Erratum in: J Am Nutr Assoc. 2022 Nov-Dec;41(8):855. doi: 10.1080/27697061.2022.2099711. PMID: 34415830.

Charrier D, Cerullo G, Carpenito R, Vindigni V, Bassetto F, Simoni L, Moro T, Paoli A. Metabolic and Biochemical Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) on Inflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Potential Health Benefits in Obesity and Future Perspectives. Antioxidants (Basel). 2024 Aug 24;13(9):1027. doi: 10.3390/antiox13091027. PMID: 39334686; PMCID: PMC11429417.