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PQQ Energy

NOW
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(1785 ratings)
Vitamin B12 1000 mcg
Acetyl L-Carnitine 200 mg
Product Image
Score 75.0

A combination of bioavailable Vitamin B12 and Acetyl-L-Carnitine aiming for energy and cognitive support. Excellent B12 form and dose, but the ALCAR quantity is on the lower side for strong effects, making it a moderate value proposition.

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

Score 75.0

A combination of bioavailable Vitamin B12 and Acetyl-L-Carnitine aiming for energy and cognitive support. Excellent B12 form and dose, but the ALCAR quantity is on the lower side for strong effects, making it a moderate value proposition.

Analysis

NOW's PQQ Energy is formulated with Methylcobalamin (1000mcg) and Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl (200mg) to support energy, brain health, mood, cognitive function, and metabolism. The choice of Methylcobalamin for B12 is commendable, as it's the active coenzyme form, readily utilized by the body, which aligns with modern nutritional recommendations over cheaper Cyanocobalamin forms. Online reviews generally reflect positive experiences with energy and mood, likely due to the B12 component. However, nutritionists and research often suggest higher dosages of Acetyl-L-Carnitine for a more pronounced impact on brain health, memory, and metabolic support. A 200mg dose might provide subtle benefits but falls short of the quantities typically associated with significant clinical outcomes. Therefore, while a decent foundational product, it may not deliver the full potential across all its ambitious goals due to the moderate ALCAR dosage, especially when considering its price point.

Pros
  • Utilizes Methylcobalamin, the highly bioavailable and active form of Vitamin B12.
  • Combines two well-regarded ingredients known for their roles in energy production and neurological function.
  • Produced by NOW, a reputable brand recognized for quality and transparency.
Cons
  • The Acetyl-L-Carnitine dosage (200mg) is relatively low compared to research-backed amounts for significant cognitive and metabolic benefits.
  • The price per serving is on the higher side given the modest dosage of Acetyl-L-Carnitine, reducing its overall cost-effectiveness.
  • May not provide pronounced effects across all stated goals due to conservative ingredient dosing.
$15.91($0.53 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 16.89
Daily Vita
$ 17.40
Amazon
$ 15.91
Pure Formulas
$ 18.00
iHerb
$ 18.36
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) 1000 mcg
PQQ (PQQ Disodium Salt) 20 mg
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl) 200 mg
Coenzyme Q10 30 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Kosher Dairy Free Vegetarian
Categories
Vitamin B12 90.0
The product provides 1000mcg of Methylcobalamin, which is an excellent dosage and the most bioavailable form of Vitamin B12. This makes it highly effective for individuals needing B12 supplementation, contributing significantly to energy and nerve health.
Acetyl L-Carnitine 60.0
It contains 200mg of Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl. While a beneficial compound for mitochondrial function and brain health, this dosage is considerably lower than the 500mg-2000mg range typically used in studies for significant effects on cognitive function, energy, or fat metabolism, thereby limiting its full potential in this category.
Goals
Energy 80.0
Vitamin B12 is essential for cellular energy production and red blood cell formation, directly combating fatigue. Acetyl-L-Carnitine also contributes to energy by facilitating fatty acid transport into mitochondria. The combination offers a solid basis for energy support, though the ALCAR dose might offer more subtle effects.
Brain Health 75.0
Both Methylcobalamin B12 and Acetyl-L-Carnitine play vital roles in neurological function. B12 is crucial for nerve health, while ALCAR supports neurotransmitter production important for cognitive processes. However, the 200mg ALCAR dosage is below levels often associated with substantial cognitive enhancement in studies.
Cognitive Support 75.0
This goal is well-addressed by Vitamin B12's role in nerve health and Acetyl-L-Carnitine's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and contribute to acetylcholine synthesis, a key neurotransmitter for memory. However, for a more pronounced cognitive boost, the ALCAR dosage could be higher based on common research findings.
90 Value

Methyl B-12 1000 mcg Lemon Flavor

Jarrow Formulas
4.7
★★★★★
(11077 ratings)
This alternative offers the exact same high-quality Methylcobalamin B12 dosage (1000mcg) as the original product, but at a dramatically lower price per serving of 8 cents. This provides excellent value, delivering premium B12 support without the higher cost associated with the original's combined formula.
85 Value

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Swanson
4.7
★★★★★
(529 ratings)
Providing more than double the Acetyl-L-Carnitine (500mg vs 200mg) at a significantly reduced price per serving of 13 cents, this product delivers superior value for those specifically seeking the benefits of ALCAR. It allows consumers to achieve a more effective dosage for less cost.
95 Value

Fully Active B12 1500 mcg

Doctor's Best
4.7
★★★★★
(30986 ratings)
This product represents exceptional value by offering a higher dose (1500mcg) of the most bioavailable Methylcobalamin B12 at a very competitive price point of 7 cents per serving. It provides superior B12 support at a fraction of the original product's cost per serving, making it a smart choice for B12 supplementation.
90 Performance

Acetyl L-Carnitine & Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Source Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(1770 ratings)
This alternative is better because it provides a higher dose of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (500mg vs 200mg) and additionally includes Alpha-Lipoic Acid. ALA synergizes with ALCAR to boost cellular energy, provide powerful antioxidant support, and enhance brain health, offering a more comprehensive benefit profile for cognitive function and energy.
95 Performance

Fully Active B12 1500 mcg

Doctor's Best
4.7
★★★★★
(30986 ratings)
This product offers a higher dose (1500mcg vs 1000mcg) of the superior Methylcobalamin form of B12, providing more potent support for energy and neurological health. For individuals with greater B12 needs or seeking maximum bioavailability, this higher potency product is a superior choice.
85 Performance

RegenerLife Watermelon

Natural Factors
4.8
★★★★★
(353 ratings)
While significantly more expensive, this alternative is 'better' due to its substantially higher Acetyl-L-Carnitine dosage of 1500mg, compared to the original's 200mg. Such a higher dose is aligned with clinical studies demonstrating more pronounced effects on energy, brain health, and metabolic function, making it more effective for individuals requiring strong ALCAR support.
85 Budget

B-12 1000 mcg

Nature's Bounty
4.7
★★★★★
(65780 ratings)
This alternative offers the same 1000mcg dosage of Vitamin B12 as the original, but at an incredibly low price per serving of 4 cents compared to 53 cents. While it uses Cyanocobalamin instead of Methylcobalamin, it's a significantly more affordable option if the primary need is high-dose B12.
80 Budget

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Swanson
4.7
★★★★★
(529 ratings)
This product provides 500mg of Acetyl-L-Carnitine, more than double the dose found in the original product, yet at a much lower price per serving of 13 cents. It's a cost-effective way to get a more efficacious dose of one of the original product's key ingredients if B12 is not a priority.
90 Budget

B12 Methylcobalamin 1000 mcg

Natural Factors
4.8
★★★★★
(9005 ratings)
Offering 1000mcg of the preferred Methylcobalamin form of B12, this alternative delivers the same quality and dosage of B12 as the original at a price per serving of just 9 cents. This makes it an exceptionally cheaper option for the premium B12 component.
90 Value

Methyl B-12 1000 mcg Lemon Flavor

Jarrow Formulas
4.7
★★★★★
(11077 ratings)
This alternative offers the exact same high-quality Methylcobalamin B12 dosage (1000mcg) as the original product, but at a dramatically lower price per serving of 8 cents. This provides excellent value, delivering premium B12 support without the higher cost associated with the original's combined formula.
85 Value

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg

Swanson
4.7
★★★★★
(529 ratings)
Providing more than double the Acetyl-L-Carnitine (500mg vs 200mg) at a significantly reduced price per serving of 13 cents, this product delivers superior value for those specifically seeking the benefits of ALCAR. It allows consumers to achieve a more effective dosage for less cost.
95 Value

Fully Active B12 1500 mcg

Doctor's Best
4.7
★★★★★
(30986 ratings)
This product represents exceptional value by offering a higher dose (1500mcg) of the most bioavailable Methylcobalamin B12 at a very competitive price point of 7 cents per serving. It provides superior B12 support at a fraction of the original product's cost per serving, making it a smart choice for B12 supplementation.
90 Performance

Acetyl L-Carnitine & Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Source Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(1770 ratings)
This alternative is better because it provides a higher dose of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (500mg vs 200mg) and additionally includes Alpha-Lipoic Acid. ALA synergizes with ALCAR to boost cellular energy, provide powerful antioxidant support, and enhance brain health, offering a more comprehensive benefit profile for cognitive function and energy.
95 Performance

Fully Active B12 1500 mcg

Doctor's Best
4.7
★★★★★
(30986 ratings)
This product offers a higher dose (1500mcg vs 1000mcg) of the superior Methylcobalamin form of B12, providing more potent support for energy and neurological health. For individuals with greater B12 needs or seeking maximum bioavailability, this higher potency product is a superior choice.
85 Performance

RegenerLife Watermelon

Natural Factors
4.8
★★★★★
(353 ratings)
While significantly more expensive, this alternative is 'better' due to its substantially higher Acetyl-L-Carnitine dosage of 1500mg, compared to the original's 200mg. Such a higher dose is aligned with clinical studies demonstrating more pronounced effects on energy, brain health, and metabolic function, making it more effective for individuals requiring strong ALCAR support.