PQQ vs. CoQ10: What's the Difference and Do You Need Both?
By Mitolyn Reviews Team | July 19, 2026 | 7 min read
If you've spent any time researching mitochondrial support supplements, you've almost certainly run into two names over and over: CoQ10 and PQQ. They're often mentioned in the same breath, sometimes even used interchangeably in marketing copy, but they actually do different jobs. Here's how they compare.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 is a compound your body already produces, found in the mitochondria of nearly every cell. It plays a direct role in the electron transport chain — the process your mitochondria use to generate ATP, the molecule your cells run on.
CoQ10 is one of the more established compounds in this space. It's been studied for decades, including in the context of heart health and statin use (statins can lower natural CoQ10 levels), and it has a well-documented safety profile.
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
PQQ works differently. Rather than participating directly in ATP production, PQQ is studied for its potential role in mitochondrial biogenesis — the process by which cells create new mitochondria. The idea is less about making your existing mitochondria run better, and more about potentially increasing how many you have.
PQQ research is newer and smaller in scale than CoQ10's research base. Early findings are promising, but there's less long-term human data available compared to more established compounds.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | CoQ10 | PQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Supports existing mitochondria in producing ATP | Studied for encouraging new mitochondria to form |
| Research history | Decades of research, including cardiovascular studies | Newer, smaller research base |
| Common use case | General energy and heart health support | Cellular energy capacity and cognitive support |
Can You Take Both?
Because CoQ10 and PQQ work through different mechanisms — one supporting existing mitochondrial function, the other potentially supporting the creation of new mitochondria — many formulas combine the two, aiming to cover both angles. This is part of why some multi-ingredient formulas, including Mitolyn, include both alongside other supportive compounds like ALA and ALCAR.
As always, talk to your doctor before starting new supplements, especially if you take medication for blood pressure, blood thinners, or heart conditions, since CoQ10 in particular can interact with some of these.
Curious How These Fit Into Mitolyn's Formula?
We broke down all 6 ingredients in Mitolyn, including CoQ10 and PQQ, in our complete review.
Read Our Complete Mitolyn Review →Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Individual results vary.