VCVITAMINS/CHART

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can safely add PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) to your vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplement — no significant interaction has been reported.

VERDICT

Vitamin B1 and PQQ together are safe. These two supplements work through different pathways and do not interfere with each other. You can combine them as part of your daily routine without concern.

Safe to combine Limited evidence
01 / MECHANISM

How They Interact

Thiamine is a water-soluble B vitamin that acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and ATP production. PQQ is a redox-active quinone that supports mitochondrial biogenesis and acts as an antioxidant. They do not share transport proteins or metabolic pathways, and neither one influences the other's absorption or enzyme function. Since both are water-soluble, they are absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract without competing for the same transporter. There is no evidence of cytochrome P450 involvement or receptor competition between these two compounds.

02 / BEST PRACTICES

How To Take Them

Take both supplements in the morning with food, preferably breakfast, to support daily energy metabolism. If you are using benfotiamine, it can be taken with a fat-containing meal, while PQQ disodium salt is fine with or without food. There is no need to space them apart; taking them together is convenient and safe. If you miss a dose, simply take it with your next meal, but do not double up. Always choose reputable brands that disclose the exact amounts and forms on the label.

03 / FORM MATTERS

Form & Quality Differences

Thiamine is commonly available as thiamine hydrochloride and as benfotiamine, a fat-soluble derivative with higher bioavailability. PQQ is typically sold as the disodium salt, which is stable and water-soluble. The form you choose does not change the lack of interaction between them, though benfotiamine may be better absorbed for some people.

04 / COMMON STACKS

Where This Pair Shows Up

Although not a classic pair, vitamin B1 and PQQ are occasionally combined in mitochondrial health supplements alongside CoQ10 and alpha-lipoic acid.

Multivitamins Prenatals Performance Longevity
05

Practical Tips

06

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Be Careful If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before adding PQQ, as safety data are limited. People taking high doses of B1 for a long time are generally fine, but those with liver disease should ask their healthcare provider about PQQ due to its antioxidant effects. Very high doses of PQQ (above 60 mg daily) have not been studied long-term, so stick to standard doses.
08

Sources & Further Reading

  1. NIH ODS NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Thiamine Fact Sheet
  2. Examine.com Examine.com — PQQ
  3. Examine.com Examine.com — Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
  4. Linus Pauling Institute Linus Pauling Institute — Thiamine

Reviewed by Caroline M. on April 8, 2026 for accuracy against the sources listed above. This page is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

WANT THE FULL PICTURE?

The matrix has 86 supplements and 7310 pairwise interactions. Click any cell to see the full breakdown.

Back To The Vitamins Chart All Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Interactions All PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) (cellular health) Interactions