PQQ Dr. Lynch Q&AUpdated an hour ago
Question | Answer |
| I gave my 17 year old son a PQQ lozenge after he was complaining of his arms hurting from his workout. Shortly after, his eyes became watery and itchy and his lips swelled up. Any feedback or suggestions? Thank you | This is the first time I've heard of a response to PQQ like this. I would not give it to him again. I'm not sure why he'd respond to it like this. The only thing I can think of is that your son may be low in glutathione and PQQ may further lower glutathione levels. If glutathione levels are too low, then one may have an imbalanced immune response. This may also be coincidence but it's not safe to try again. Please do look for other possible aggravating factors. Preworkouts these days can be very 'dirty' so look to see if he's supplementing with a preworkout and review the ingredients. In health, |
| Will you please explain to me why some people, including me, have the "side effect" of having a blue tongue after taking the PQQ lozenge? I have been advised it is a side effect and goes away after an hour. I would like to clinically understand why this happens. I want to trust the product and what is being said. However, I'm concerned. Thank you! | I can understand why this strange effect may be worrying. The good news is it's harmless. The reason this happens is that PQQ, which is a disodium salt, has a reddish or purplish hue in its natural form. When it comes into contact with the moisture of your tongue it looks blue. The colored particles can temporarily stain the surface of the tongue, giving it a blue or purplish tint. Many minerals and vitamins have specific colours such as:
Hope this clarifies it for you and sets your mind at ease : |
| Hello Could you advise on best supplements for low energy? I generally wake enthusiastic and energised but run out of physical energy and motivation early afternoon. I have severe allergic response (anaphylaxis - mainly syncope, gastro upset, inflammation ) to proteins in plants (many fruit, veges, spices, nuts and all grains). Although I abstain from all foods I’m allergic to I also react to plant pollens so live with low level allergies most days. I have had allergies since childhood and now at 60 I have multiple minor metabolic problems (high cholesterol, fatty liver, gallstones, general inflammation, joint pain and stiffness etc). I eat whole foods, sleep well and exercise most days but I cannot find a way past the fatigue. As you’d guess being done in most days is affecting my work and social life. Any advice would be neat! Please note: I have to be careful of herbal supplements as I often react to concentrated plants. Thank you! | Great detail- very helpful to me so I can point you in a better direction. ;) Consider:
This support is without plants and herbs and provides a solid baseline foundation which will support you in all areas. I'd certainly go 100% gluten free and 100% cow dairy free. Swap out with goat dairy products. In health, |
| Dr Lynch, I have flare ups of EBV. It started since I started menopause and flares up if I exercise too much or have high stress. I was desperate today and tried PQQ for the first time… and wow! I can’t believe it worked so quickly to restore my energy. Is it ok to take this every day from now on? Also, can you recommend anything else that could help prevent recurrence of EBV? My symptoms are fatigue, spleen discomfort, sore throat and sometimes lymph node swelling. Thank you! And thank you for PQQ. I will give it to my daughter who is in college too. It’s miraculous! | Yep - and congratulations for finding this out ;) If you wear yourself out, your immune system gets tired and thus the EBV becomes recurrent. Here are some recommendations:
Your daughter can use the same recommendations. In health, |
| Could you help me understand why PQQ makes me so exhausted, irritable, and brain foggy ? I’ve narrowed down that as the culprit. Also - could you tell me if I can take CoQ10 / NADH then my hypo-thyroid meds within 5 mins of each other when I wake ? | Possibly because you may be low in glutathione. Perhaps the PQQ is supporting healthy superoxide levels moving into hydrogen peroxide yet you're unable to convert the hydrogen peroxide into water.* Stop the PQQ for now. Consider:
The NADH+CoQ10 lozenges (now called Energy Nutrients) may contribute to fatigue in some people especially if they have glutathione deficiencies. With the NADH, be sure you take that away from food and consider using 1/4 to 1/2 a lozenge. You can use it close to your meds as it is a lozenge. Often times, those with hypothyroidism are also experiencing adrenal fatigue. Consider supporting healthy adrenals by taking 1 capsule of Adrenal Cortex with your breakfast.* Take it only on mornings where you feel you need more support. I think this could be significant for you. In health, |
| Does this work for restoring smell and taste? I never lost smell or taste completely, but months after my third covid infection, I am experiencing very strange smells/taste of things that I never did before- namely eggs, coffee, poultry, my own pee/poop, etc. They all the same sickly sweet kind of sulfur chemical smell. | PQQ is a supportive healthy antioxidant. Low antioxidants are associated with reduced sense of smell and taste. While I used to recommend PQQ Lozenge and Zinc Lozenges to support healthy smell and taste, I now recommend Brain Nutrients.*
Why Brain Nutrients?
It's a very comprehensive supplement which is supportive of healthy taste and smell.* Additionally, I recommend using Calcium D Glucarate to support a healthy gallbladder and liver function via the detoxification pathway called glucoronidation.* If glucoronidation is sluggish, then one may experience excessive sulfur intolerance. Take 1 capsule of Calcium D Glucarate with or after dinner to support healthy bowel movements and healthy sulfur metabolism.* You may need probiotics such as ProBiota HistaminX and possibly a trace mineral called Molybdenum (we have both), but try the above first. In health, |
| Dr Lynch ... Is PQQ the best approach for waking up just sore and achy..??... Seventy yr old female ... all inflammation markers are optimal ie; SED, hsCRP ... homocysteine =7 -- on paper ► OPTIMAL health .... just super stiff and sore, achy in mornings. I had rhuematoid arthritis tests are normal. Sjogrens test ...normal. I take PLENTY of magnesium ... my RBC mg is 5.6 . Once I'm up and about ... much of the muscle aches and stiffness abates. I don't get a good deep sleep from the aches I get at night. I thought I'd try the PQQ but wondering if it's the right approach. Appreciate your thoughts ... recommendations. PS: RE: Calcium-D-Glutarate & bladder pain: You didn't have an explanation as to WHY that would happen but suggested taking Optimal GI in mornings with the Calcium D-glutarate. So-far-so-good. I had already been taking the Optimal GI at night -- so just added taking 3 caps in morning too. | I'm glad the Optimal GI is supporting your bladder. What I recommend for the aches, consider:
This should help immensely. In health, |
| Dear Dr. Lynch, I'm a 53 year old female, and I had COVID for the first time in December 2023. Although I don't have Long COVID, I've had some issues with inflammation, hormonal disruption (estrogen dominance) and my cholesterol has increased overall, specifically LDL from 90-91 to 151 without any significant change to my diet. Do you have any thoughts about supporting mitochondria and liver? Thank you. | Hormonal disruption and cholesterol, as you pointed out, are significantly associated with liver health. The healthier your liver, the healthier your hormones and cholesterol. Consider:
In health, |
| My mum is suffering from some sort of very painful athritis/frozen shoulder. Not showing as athritis on blood test but definitely sore shoulders and back. Struggling to turn over when in bed. Hurts to take off coat etc. I read about how your wife found PQQ helpful. Is there anything else you would suggest. My mum is also dealing with small nodules popping up on her thyroid which doctors are monitoring. Thanks | Consider:
This should help her immensely :) Joint Nutrients has PQQ in it - along with many other things needed to support healthy joints.* In health, |
| Dear Dr Ben Lynch: My mom is following the Bredesen Protocol for Alzheimer’s and she is taking PQQ Lozenges and Hydroxo B12 with Folinic Acid Lozenges. The problem is that she bites them and eats them too fast which does not allow absorption. For various reasons, she has to take lozenges. Since she bites me, I utilize a plastic dental tool that helps keep the lozenges under her tongue. My questions are: Since I give these lozenges at different times, can I give them together? In other words combine them all under the tongue so they absorb at the same time. Will this affect the absorption at all? I cut the lozenges in 4 pieces before I put them under the tongue, to try to make the absorption faster. Is this incorrect? Using that dental tool tends to keep her tongue up. The pills are supposed to dissolve on the base of the mouth under the tongue. Is there an issue that her tongue remains up and her mouth is open? Will this affect absorption? I love my mother with all my heart. So if you have any other suggestion that I can apply to slow the progress of this illness please let me know. I am doing so much research that I welcome your advice. | She can just bite and chew the lozenges. That's ok. She will still get plenty of benefit. Here's what I also strongly recommend:
I highly recommend the above. You would stop the PQQ and the Hydroxo B12 with Foilnic as they are all included in the supplements above - This is a way more effective protocol. I can report that another older individual has experienced significant benefits from using Optimal Focus. He scored a 100% on his cognitive performance test. He just uses 1 capsule a day of Optimal Focus. Brain Nutrients has the PQQ, hydroxo B12, folinic acid, glutathione and more in it. In health, |
| What’s the best for ARS gene kids? This one and CoQ10? Do you have more products? | I can make some suggestions here but I have no experience with it. Given that ARS is a mitochondrial gene, consider:
Start here. If needing more specific support, consider adding in CoQ10 and possibly 1/2 a Brain Nutrients Lozenge. In health, |
| Does PQQ have L-Carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid? I was confused by the "key ingredient" section. Can this be taken with L-Carnitine? I take Welchol at breakfast, would that impact the absorption? Many thanks! | Just PQQ. We are fixing that. We just did a major site overhaul and we selected the incorrect ingredient. Thank you for letting me know! Can absolutely be taken with Carnitine. Welchol won't impact the absorption of these supplements. To support healthy cholesterol levels, consider:*
In health, |
| Hi. I added in this supplement to see if it helps with brain fog because i take intramuscular glutathione shots and I know PQQ is a necessary cofactor. I also have chronic lyme and sibo/candida, and leaky gut. i got a pretty bad headache a few hours after taking this lozenge. Does that mean I should stop taking it? Thanks. | I believe that means you could use less - like 1/4 lozenge. Sometimes less is better especially when also working with SIBO and such. I'd add in Saccharomyces Boulardii after dinner to support a healthy microbiome and SIBO/Candida.* The IM Glutathione shots could also be causative of your headaches and that may be actually the cause over the PQQ. Glutathione is known to contribute to headaches when taking too much - very common. Look into both to make sure. In health, |
| hi, I have a question about ppq. I have long COVID after the second time of getting it. When the symptoms get worse due to too much excercise or an virus or infection(have lil kids) my body responds with swelling with sinuses and troath or thyroid, intestin swelling Everything gets inflammed Some times makin it hard to breath , doctors taught I needed antihistamine drugs but they dont help. Just staying calm helps a bit… with excercise I have to be slow because to much sets it of again… i just took ppq and my sinus pressure cleared … so i was wondering how and Why ? And does ben Lynch have an protocol for people with long COVID? So I can support myself… Did see the online info on mitochondrial damage he posted is that What I can use for this ? And an other thing do you think vaccination When already having long COVID could make it better? Ps. Before COVID I practiced already his book dirty genes and used his Prenatal diatery Changes however in the past for Yrs i feel it still isnt enough… last ct scan showed a deteriatif skeleton Dutch its called wervelkolom. Doctors have given me a yr ago an helicobacter antibiotics and after this I have muscle pains and bleeding gums etc. I have used the probiotics. Love this option on your site! | Great detail. Useful - thank you. Infections are very stimulating to the immune system. The immune system releases a bunch of pro-oxidants and uses up your antioxidants. When taking PQQ, you're supporting healthy levels of antioxidants.* Healthy levels of antioxidants support a healthy immune response, healthy histamine levels and healthy methylation.* I do believe a vaccination would possibly make it worse not better as a vaccination is designed to be pro-inflammatory not anti-inflammatory. The virus is known to bind to acetylcholine receptors. That said, I'd support healthy acetylcholine levels with Optimal Focus.* Take 1 capsule in the morning 4-5 days on and 2-3 days off or so. Continue using the PQQ Lozenge, add in the Optimal Focus and I'd also add in the Optimal Electrolyte with an added 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of salt. Sip it over time. For exercise, I'd consider 1/2 serving of Pre-Workout Nutrients. This should support your healthy energy and blood flow during your workout.* Highly recommend using this. Sip 1/2 a serving in a glass of filtered water 30 minutes before your workout. Keep me posted. In health, |
| Having a reaction to MCAS medication and supplements. I am having tightness in the chest, hard to breathe and feeling like I am having histamine issues. Would PQQ help with these symptoms? | I'd look into Histamine Nutrients Take 2 capsules any time of day or night with or without food. Glutathione Plus Lozenges as well - first thing in the morning or as needed - starting with 1/2 lozenge. I'd also hydrate using Optimal Electrolyte. Very important. Sip this in filtered water - do not chug. Make sure you are ok and not having a more serious asthma or breathing episode or cardiac issue. Talk with your doctor. Talk with your doctor about possible medication induced side effects. In health, |
| Dear Seeking Health, I managed to find your PQQ here in UK. Can you tell me please if PQQ can bring about a detox reaction. I took one in the morning and an hour or more later felt strong brain fog - I eventually wondered if this was detox symptom and took charcoal with psyllium & very quickly felt much better. I chose the PQQ because I was concerned about my eye health. Is PQQ doing the same action in the body as Glutathione but perhaps in a different way? I did not chose the glutathione because I am very sensitive to supplements that push a detox reaction. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Kate. PS _ I've been thrilled to find your B Complex MF and even more thrilled to see the result of now adding your Folinic Acid (more stamina!) Is it ok to do this? I am waiting for iherb to stock your Hydroxo B12 & Folinic Acid. I will then be in a muddle of whether to take B Complex together with Hydroxo B12 & folinic Acid. I would love your input about this please. I do appreciate being able to contact you about this & your time to answer. Thank you. Kind regards, | It's possible. I recommend taking 1/2 the PQQ along with a serving of the Optimal Electrolyte. If you're dehydrated, it may amplify the side effects. The Brain Nutrients lozenge is very good as well but it's hard to get that into the UK because of the PQQ. I would use only one of these B vitamins at a time. You could take one in the morning and one in the afternoon - IF NEEDED - otherwise skip. Too much B vitamins can make you anxious, irritable and not sleep at night and headaches. I'd start with B Complex MF and be sure to take with a protein based breakfast. In health, |
| I'm curious about EMF sensitivity. A member of my family is on the spectrum and certain lights definitely make him uncomfortable. Is this due to some type of frequency or a deficiency of some type? What other things might help with this sensitivity along with PQQ, which he absolutely loves btw. Thank you. | Light sensitivity may be associated with higher serotonin levels. "Our results suggest that serotonin increases the response of photoreceptor cells to light and that efferent optic nerve activity may modulate photosensitivity through release of serotonin in the eye." He may find he does well with Lithium Orotate or Stress Nutrients. Lithium orotate supports healthy serotonin activity - and here's a paper talking about how it may help healthy light tolerance - but they are likely talking about lithium carbonate which is much higher dose than lithium orotate: He may also be high histamine. High histamine does affect many on the spectrum which leads to light sensitivity, EMF sensitivity, irritability and difficulty sleeping. "The release of inflammatory substances, such as histamine, from MCs in the skin results in a local erythema, edema and sensation of itch and pain, and the release of somatostatin from the dendritic cells may give rise to subjective sensations of on-going inflammation and sensitivity to ordinary light." Support healthy histamine levels with Histamine Nutrients - and take 1-2 capsules before bed. This supplement may be used any time of day or night as often as needed. If he loves the PQQ, perhaps he would do even better with our Glutathione Plus Lozenges - which have PQQ in them along with glutathione and other important cofactors. Low glutathione levels may be associated with EMF sensitivity. "Several studies have reported that exposure to EMF results in oxidative stress in many tissues of the body." In health, |
| First, I'd like to say I'm so thankful for your book and your quest to help people get healthier. I read your book the last week of March and it has been life-changing. I had been on and off ADD meds since two of my sons were diagnosed as children and I saw that I struggled with the same symptoms. I'm off my methylphenidate and also my sleep supplement that had melatonin. I tried your Optimal Focus but it didn't seem to work for me. I've been doing ok though, I think this is due to your glutathione. I've been taking it for 19 days and I think you said stop after 3 weeks. I also tried the Serotonin Nutrients for better sleep, but it didn't seem to work for me. If you have any advice let me know. I'm a 53 year old post-menopausal woman. I'm thin and don't get sick much. Before your book, I had begun breathing exercises each morning and taping my lips at night. I'm gluten free and I exercise. I like to be out in nature. Your book has helped me to go further. Ancestry DNA has received my sample and I'll do the StrateGene Report when I have my results. I suspect that I have a fast MAOA/COMT and problems with methylating. Maybe more. I'm following your advice on eating and lifestyle changes to the best of my ability. My main issue now as I wait for the genetic data is achy joints and tight painful muscles. I've struggled with this for the past few years, but it has actually gotten a little worse since I went off my old supplements. I was taking molybdenum which seemed to help with the tight muscles. Your book said not to stay on it for too long and I'd been on it for a couple years. So I freaked out and went off it immediately. After going off all my supplements for a couple weeks I added in (one at a time) liposomal glutathione, PQQ, and phosphatidylcholine. I tried your Energy Nutrients to try to stop my coffee but I got a headache. I also resumed Vitamin C and Zinc because my face broke out a little without them. Anyway, do you have any advice that might help with the crazy muscle tension? Maybe I just need to be patient and wait for my DNA. Thanks so much! | I'd continue with the Glutathione for sure. Keep going on that - and do daily - upon waking is great. I like the Glutathione Plus Lozenge. I'd add in the Optimal Electrolyte Unflavored upon waking as well. You can stay on Molybdenum as long as your uric acid levels aren't elevating. If Optimal Focus didn't work, then I'd consider Dopamine Nutrients with a little bit of Brain Nutrients lozenge (1/4 lozenge). Dopamine deficiency is also associated with very tight muscle rigidity. If your joints are sore, consider Joint Nutrients away from food. Taking at night before bed or before you exercise is helpful. Our Pre-Workout Nutrients is also very supportive of healthy muscle performance. That said, I'd consider first the Optimal Electrolyte Unflavored first along with the Dopamine Nutrients in the morning. Talk with your doctor about checking your hormones. You may be low in progesterone and that may impact sleep. In health, |
| Is this the best supplement to take to mitigate/recover from post workout soreness/pain (especially for someone just starting to work out) or what else would you reccomend? | I highly recommend using Pre-Workout Nutrients 1 hour before workout. Start with 1 scoop in a glass of water. See if that's enough for you. Then, in your water bottle, sip a serving of Optimal Electrolyte unflavored during your workout. These two should help you immensely. I'd also consider using 1/4 to 1/2 lozenge of Brain Nutrients upon waking. This supports healthy energy and mood. Helps get your day started without the need for caffeine. If still sore after workout, then yes, consider the PQQ Lozenge or Glutathione Plus Lozenge. I suspect you won't need these post workout with the above combination. In health, |
| Is this something you take everyday Or can it be just twice a week or so? | Thank you for your question! Dr. Lynch recommends following the Pulse Method outlined in his book "Dirty Genes". Pulsing means taking a vitamin when you notice deficiencies or if you feel a benefit from it. Everyone is different so the amount one person takes could be different than what the next person needs. You can find more information about the Pulse Method in our blog article here: https://www.seekinghealth.com/blogs/education/pulse-method?_pos=1&_sid=74259073c&_ss=r |