Hydrogen-PQQ Combo Improves Memory and Brain Function in Seniors
The impact of six-week dihydrogen-pyrroloquinoline quinone supplementation on mitochondrial biomarkers, brain metabolism, and cognition in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial
Research hubs: Brain & Nervous System · Cardiovascular System
- Evidence type
- Randomized controlled trial · Human study
- Authors
- Sonja Baltic, David Nedeljkovic, Nikola Todorovic, Marijana Ranisavljev, Darinka Korovljev, Jelena Cvejic, Jelena Ostojic, Tyler W. LeBaron, Judi Timmcke, Valdemar Stajer, Sergej M. Ostojic
- Journal
- The Journal of nutrition, health and aging
- Year
- 2024
- PMID
- 38908296
- Study Type
- Human
- Participants
- 34
- Delivery
- Gas (Sustained Release)
- Dose
- Dihydrogen-PQQ mixture (Alpha Hope®) twice daily for 6 weeks
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Funding
- Provincial Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research (142-451-2597/2021-01)
- Conflicts of interest
- TWL reports consulting fees from CalerieLife, and JT is employed by CalerieLife, the company that supplied the supplements examined in this study.
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 16 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Serbia
TL;DR
A supplement containing dihydrogen and PQQ improved brain health markers and mental function in elderly people with mild cognitive problems.
Key Finding
Six weeks of dihydrogen-PQQ supplementation significantly increased serum BDNF levels and cerebral oxygen saturation while improving mental orientation in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
Summary
This study tested whether a six-week supplement containing hydrogen-producing minerals and a compound called PQQ could improve brain function and metabolism in 34 elderly people with mild memory problems. The supplement increased a brain-protective protein called BDNF, improved oxygen levels in the brain, and showed modest improvements in mental orientation (knowing where you are and what time it is), but the study was small and the improvements were modest.
Practical Takeaway
This small, short-term study suggests that dihydrogen-PQQ may support brain metabolism and orientation in older adults with cognitive decline, but the results are preliminary. The study included only 34 people over 6 weeks, so much larger and longer studies are needed before any health claims can be made. Anyone considering this supplement should consult their doctor first.
Abstract (excerpt)
Objectives: To assess the impact of medium-term supplementation with dihydrogen and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on mitochondrial biomarkers, brain metabolism, and cognition in elderly individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Design: A parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled…