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PQQ Complex

Protocol For Life Balance

4.8
(74 ratings)
Coenzyme Q-10 30 mg
Acetyl L-Carnitine 200 mg
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Score 75.0

A synergistic blend of PQQ, ALCAR, CoQ10, and B12 targeting mitochondrial health, energy, and cognitive function at a moderate price.

Quantity: 30 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Veg Capsule(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Energy
Heart Health
Anti-Aging
Cardiovascular Support
Brain Health

Score 75.0

A synergistic blend of PQQ, ALCAR, CoQ10, and B12 targeting mitochondrial health, energy, and cognitive function at a moderate price.

Analysis

Protocol For Life Balance's PQQ Complex is formulated with four key ingredients known for their roles in cellular energy production and neurological health: Acetyl-L-Carnitine (200mg), BioPQQ (20mg), Coenzyme Q10 (30mg), and Vitamin B12 (1000mcg as Methylcobalamin). This combination aims to support mitochondrial function, which is central to brain health, energy, and metabolism. The inclusion of PQQ and CoQ10 specifically targets mitochondrial biogenesis and ATP production, while ALCAR supports fatty acid transport for energy and neurotransmitter synthesis. Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function and energy metabolism. Online reviews and nutritionist perspectives generally support the benefits of these individual ingredients for the advertised goals, though some experts might recommend higher dosages for certain conditions or for more pronounced effects, particularly for ALCAR and CoQ10. The forms used (Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl, PQQ Disodium Salt, Methylcobalamin) are well-regarded for bioavailability.
Pros
  • Contains a synergistic blend of ingredients targeting mitochondrial health and energy.
  • Includes BioPQQ and Methylcobalamin, which are high-quality, bioavailable forms.
  • Offers comprehensive support for multiple goals like brain health, energy, and metabolism in one supplement.
Cons
  • The dosage of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (200mg) is lower than commonly recommended therapeutic doses for significant cognitive or energy effects.
  • CoQ10 dosage (30mg) is also on the lower side compared to many standalone supplements, which often provide 100-200mg.
  • At $1.00 per serving, it's more expensive than single-ingredient ALCAR products, but competitive for a complex.
Warnings
  • Individuals with specific deficiencies or higher needs might require separate, higher-dose supplements of ALCAR or CoQ10 for optimal effects.
  • While generally safe, individuals sensitive to B vitamins might experience mild stimulation from the B12.
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$27.00($0.90 per serving)
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Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin B12
1000 mcg
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
200 mg
Coenzyme Q10
30 mg
BioPQQ
20 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Dairy Free Vegetarian
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Categories

While it contains Acetyl L-Carnitine, the dosage (200mg) is lower than many standalone ALCAR products (typically 500mg+), making it a supportive ingredient rather than the primary focus for high-dose ALCAR benefits. However, its inclusion in a synergistic blend is valuable.

Goals

All ingredients contribute to cellular energy production; ALCAR transports fatty acids into mitochondria, CoQ10 is vital for the electron transport chain, PQQ supports mitochondrial biogenesis, and B12 is key for metabolic pathways that generate energy. This makes it a robust energy-supporting formula.
The combination of ALCAR, PQQ, CoQ10, and B12 provides strong support for neuronal function and mitochondrial health, which are crucial for overall brain health. PQQ specifically aids in new mitochondrial growth, benefiting cognitive longevity.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is well-known for its role in fat metabolism, and CoQ10 and PQQ optimize overall cellular metabolic efficiency. This formulation directly supports healthy metabolic function, particularly energy utilization.
85 Value

PQQ Energy

NOW
4.6
(1785 ratings)
This product is an excellent 'better value' option as it contains the exact same blend of active ingredients (ALCAR, PQQ, CoQ10, B12) at the same dosages as the Protocol For Life Balance PQQ Complex, but it is available at roughly half the price per serving, offering identical benefits for significantly less cost.
78 Value

Acetyl L-Carnitine & Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Source Naturals
4.6
(1770 ratings)
For a much lower price per serving, this alternative provides a substantial 500mg of ALCAR combined with 150mg of Alpha-Lipoic Acid, a powerful antioxidant that synergizes with ALCAR for mitochondrial support, offering a strong blend for energy and cognitive health at a highly competitive price point.
82 Value

Optimized Carnitine

Life Extension
4.8
(1074 ratings)
This product offers a multi-form carnitine blend (Acetyl L-Carnitine, Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine, Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate) totaling a high dose, providing broader benefits for energy, vascular health, and nerve function than a single ALCAR form. Its price per serving is competitive given the comprehensive carnitine support.
90 Performance

RegenerLife Watermelon

Natural Factors
4.8
(353 ratings)
This alternative offers significantly higher dosages of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (1500mg) and Coenzyme Q10 (300mg), along with L-Glutathione and SOD B Extramel, providing a more potent and comprehensive mitochondrial and antioxidant support blend than the PQQ Complex, making it more effective for energy and overall cellular health.
88 Performance

BrainEssence

Pure Essence
4.7
(79 ratings)
BrainEssence is a much more comprehensive brain health formula, featuring a higher dose of ALCAR (500mg) along with an extensive array of nootropics and adaptogens like Bacopa, Ashwagandha, Phosphatidylserine, and Huperzine-A, making it potentially more effective for broad cognitive and mood support than the PQQ complex.
92 Performance

Memory Pro

Pure Encapsulations
4.3
(20 ratings)
Memory Pro offers a higher dose of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (750mg) and combines it with a robust list of scientifically backed cognitive enhancers such as Ginkgo, Bacopa, Phosphatidylserine, and Turmeric, providing a more targeted and potent solution for brain health and memory compared to the PQQ Complex.
78 Budget

PQQ Energy

NOW
4.6
(1785 ratings)
This product offers an almost identical ingredient profile (ALCAR, PQQ, CoQ10, B12) at the same dosages, but at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.53 vs $1.00), making it a direct and much more cost-effective alternative for the same benefits.
70 Budget

Acetyl L-Carnitine & Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Source Naturals
4.6
(1770 ratings)
At $0.32 per serving, this option combines a higher dose of ALCAR (500mg) with Alpha-Lipoic Acid, offering similar mitochondrial and antioxidant support at a lower cost, though it lacks PQQ, CoQ10, and B12.
65 Budget

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Swanson
4.7
(529 ratings)
This is a basic, highly affordable ALCAR supplement at just $0.13 per serving. While it lacks the comprehensive blend of the PQQ Complex, it provides a solid dose of ALCAR at a fraction of the cost, suitable for those primarily seeking ALCAR benefits.
85 Value

PQQ Energy

NOW
4.6
(1785 ratings)
This product is an excellent 'better value' option as it contains the exact same blend of active ingredients (ALCAR, PQQ, CoQ10, B12) at the same dosages as the Protocol For Life Balance PQQ Complex, but it is available at roughly half the price per serving, offering identical benefits for significantly less cost.
78 Value

Acetyl L-Carnitine & Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Source Naturals
4.6
(1770 ratings)
For a much lower price per serving, this alternative provides a substantial 500mg of ALCAR combined with 150mg of Alpha-Lipoic Acid, a powerful antioxidant that synergizes with ALCAR for mitochondrial support, offering a strong blend for energy and cognitive health at a highly competitive price point.
82 Value

Optimized Carnitine

Life Extension
4.8
(1074 ratings)
This product offers a multi-form carnitine blend (Acetyl L-Carnitine, Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine, Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate) totaling a high dose, providing broader benefits for energy, vascular health, and nerve function than a single ALCAR form. Its price per serving is competitive given the comprehensive carnitine support.
90 Performance

RegenerLife Watermelon

Natural Factors
4.8
(353 ratings)
This alternative offers significantly higher dosages of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (1500mg) and Coenzyme Q10 (300mg), along with L-Glutathione and SOD B Extramel, providing a more potent and comprehensive mitochondrial and antioxidant support blend than the PQQ Complex, making it more effective for energy and overall cellular health.
88 Performance

BrainEssence

Pure Essence
4.7
(79 ratings)
BrainEssence is a much more comprehensive brain health formula, featuring a higher dose of ALCAR (500mg) along with an extensive array of nootropics and adaptogens like Bacopa, Ashwagandha, Phosphatidylserine, and Huperzine-A, making it potentially more effective for broad cognitive and mood support than the PQQ complex.
92 Performance

Memory Pro

Pure Encapsulations
4.3
(20 ratings)
Memory Pro offers a higher dose of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (750mg) and combines it with a robust list of scientifically backed cognitive enhancers such as Ginkgo, Bacopa, Phosphatidylserine, and Turmeric, providing a more targeted and potent solution for brain health and memory compared to the PQQ Complex.
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