Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 6 of 7 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for replacing fluids and electrolytes, preventing dehydration during exercise or illness, treating low blood sodium (under medical care).Based on those ingredients, 500 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are R-Lipoic Acid, Vitamin B6, Sodium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ by Life Extension

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ by Life Extension — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ by Life Extension

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 7 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 7 active ingredients. Sodium helps maintain fluid balance, though this formulation includes supplemental sodium beyond typical dietary intake.

L-taurine is an amino acid that plays a role in heart and eye function. Vitamin B6 supports nerve function and energy metabolism.

Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 for better absorption. Carnosine is a dipeptide found naturally in muscle tissue.

R-lipoic acid (from alpha-lipoic acid) is an antioxidant involved in energy production. PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is a compound thought to support mitochondrial function.

The remaining ingredients are inactive components that form the capsule.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: mitochondrial energy and cellular health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Athletic performance, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Cognitive function, Diabetic neuropathy, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Fatigue — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Alpha-lipoic Acid is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetic neuropathy (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Benfotiamine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetic neuropathy.
  • Also on file: Alpha-lipoic Acid is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

The evidence for this product's overall mitochondrial support claim isn't established in our data. Individually, L-taurine is possibly effective for congestive heart failure and hepatitis.

Vitamin B6 is effective for B6 deficiency and sideroblastic anemia, and likely effective for high homocysteine levels. R-lipoic acid is possibly effective for diabetic nerve pain, high cholesterol, and weight management.

Benfotiamine is possibly effective for diabetic nerve damage. Carnosine and PQQ lack established effectiveness data in the sources we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Sodium Taurine Vitamin B6 Benfotiamine Carnosine Alpha-lipoic Acid

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 6 of the 6 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 6 of 6.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 6 of 6.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most ingredients are generally well tolerated in typical doses. L-taurine is well tolerated short-term, though long-term safety is less certain; constipation and diarrhea are the most common side effects.

Vitamin B6 is safe below 100 mg daily, but high doses over time can cause nerve damage (neuropathy). R-lipoic acid is generally well tolerated, though headache, nausea, and heartburn occur; it may lower blood sugar.

Benfotiamine caused allergic skin reactions in a small number of trial participants and mild stomach discomfort in others. Sodium at high doses increases the risk of high blood pressure, kidney disease, and may worsen heart disease.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, L-taurine is likely safe, and vitamin B6 is used for morning sickness under medical guidance. Carnosine and R-lipoic acid should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data.

Benfotiamine's pregnancy and lactation safety is not established.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Sodium Taurine Vitamin B6 Benfotiamine Carnosine Alpha-lipoic Acid

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 6 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Alpha-lipoic Acid, Vitamin B6, Taurine, Carnosine, Sodium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications; lithium; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 500 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your pharmacist if you take blood pressure medications (antihypertensives), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medications, seizure medications (phenobarbital or phenytoin), lithium, thyroid hormone, or any chemotherapy agents. Sodium in this product can interfere with blood pressure control and lithium levels.

Multiple ingredients have moderate-severity interactions that can affect how your medications work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines several research-backed ingredients for mitochondrial support, but the strongest evidence applies only to individual ingredients, not the combination. If you take blood pressure medications, blood thinners, thyroid medication, seizure medications, diabetes medications, or lithium, you'll need to check this product against your specific drugs — the sodium and other ingredients here carry real interactions.

Talk to your pharmacist before starting, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or taking multiple prescriptions.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 6 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870186816
Net contents 120 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2020
DSLD ID 232072
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ by Life Extension, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
737870186816
IngredientAmount% DV
Sodium18 mg1%
L-Taurine800 mg--
Vitamin B6100 mg5882%
Benfotiamine150 mg--
Carnosine1000 mg--
R-Lipoic Acid150 mg--
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) Disodium Salt10 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silica, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Candelilla Wax, Beeswax, Calcium Silicate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. Directions: Take two (2) capsules twice daily without food, preferably early in the day or all at once upon wakening, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Bio-Enhanced is a registered trademark of Geronova Research, Inc.

Formulation

Gluten free Non GMO LE Certified

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO LE Certified

General Statements

Supports optimal mitochondrial biogenesis and function

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ by Life Extension label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ by Life Extension

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Sodium

Interacts with
205 drugs
18 mg per serving

Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte your body needs to balance fluids, support nerves, and help muscles work. Most people in modern diets g...

Sodium monograph & interactions

L-Taurine

Interacts with
173 drugs
800 mg per serving

Taurine is an amino acid your body makes naturally and that you also get from animal foods. It is widely used in energy drinks and sports supplements,...

L-Taurine monograph & interactions

Vitamin B6

Interacts with
210 drugs
100 mg per serving Form: Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is b...

Vitamin B6 monograph & interactions

Benfotiamine

No known
interactions
150 mg per serving

Benfotiamine is a man-made, fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 (thiamine) that the body may absorb more easily than regular thiamine. It is mostly studied...

Benfotiamine monograph & interactions

Carnosine

Interacts with
86 drugs
1000 mg per serving

Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (made of beta-alanine and histidine) that acts as an antioxidant and buffer in muscle and brain. It is so...

Carnosine monograph & interactions

R-Lipoic Acid

Interacts with
263 drugs
150 mg per serving Form: Na-RALA Sodium R-Lipoate

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain,...

R-Lipoic Acid monograph & interactions

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) Disodium Salt

10 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silica, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Candelilla Wax, Beeswax, Calcium Silicate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
500Drugs
495 Moderate 5 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

R-Lipoic Acid 263
Vitamin B6 210
Sodium 205
L-Taurine 173
Carnosine 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ interact with 500 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 7 ingredients in Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. R-Lipoic Acid Vitamin B6 Sodium L-Taurine Carnosine

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

R-Lipoic Acid5 drug types · 263 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, alpha-lipoic acid inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs, which work by generating free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid might decrease the effects of thyroid hormone drugs.
Animal research suggests that co-administration of thyroxine with alpha-lipoic acid reduces conversion into the active T3 form.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking alpha-lipoic acid with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Although some small clinical studies have suggested that alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood glucose levels, larger clinical studies in patients with diabetes have shown no clinically meaningful effect. Additionally, co-administration of single doses of alpha-lipoic acid and glyburide or acarbose did not cause detectable drug interactions in healthy volunteers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
R-Lipoic Acid full monograph & interactions

Vitamin B65 drug types · 210 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
Despite initial case reports suggesting that pyridoxine may have a protective effect against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity, preliminary clinical research suggests that pyridoxine may actually exacerbate this adverse effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that vitamin B6 can decrease systolic blood pressure. Similarly, clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking high doses of vitamin B6 may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly by reducing plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenobarbital, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenobarbital to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenytoin, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenytoin to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Vitamin B6 may increase the metabolism of levodopa when taken alone, but not when taken in conjunction with carbidopa.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) enhances the metabolism of levodopa, reducing its clinical effects. However, this interaction does not occur when carbidopa is used concurrently with levodopa (Sinemet). Therefore, it is not likely to be a problem in most people.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Vitamin B6 full monograph & interactions

Sodium7 drug types · 205 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, a high intake of dietary sodium might reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.
High intake of dietary sodium can increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Also, high intake of sodium may necessitate increased use of antihypertensive medications to achieve blood pressure control in some patients, such as those with chronic kidney disease.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Corticosteroids

Concomitant use of mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids with sodium supplements might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids (corticosteroids) cause sodium retention. This effect is dose-related and depends on mineralocorticoid potency. It is most common with hydrocortisone, cortisone, and fludrocortisone, followed by prednisone and prednisolone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Didanosine (Videx)

Concomitant use of didanosine with additional sodium from dietary or supplemental sources may increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Didanosine formulations contain a significant amount of sodium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Lithium

Altering dietary intake of sodium might alter the levels and clinical effects of lithium.
High sodium intake can reduce plasma concentrations of lithium by increasing lithium excretion. Reducing sodium intake can significantly increase plasma concentrations of lithium and cause lithium toxicity in patients being treated with lithium carbonate. Stabilizing sodium intake is shown to reduce the percentage of patients with lithium level fluctuations above 0.8 mEq/L. Patients taking lithium should avoid significant alterations in their dietary intake of sodium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Sodium Phosphates

Theoretically, concomitant use of sodium phosphate with sodium supplements might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Use of high doses (> 45 mL in 24 hours) of sodium phosphate, such as those used for bowel cleansing before surgery, can lead to serious electrolyte disturbances, including hypernatremia. The risk of hypernatremia is highest in the elderly and people with other risk factors for electrolyte disturbances.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sodium-Containing Drugs

Concomitant use of sodium-containing drugs with additional sodium from dietary or supplemental sources may increase the risk of hypernatremia and long-term sodium-related complications.
The Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) intake level of 2.3 grams of sodium daily indicates the intake at which it is believed that chronic disease risk increases for the apparently healthy population. Some medications contain high quantities of sodium. When used in conjunction with sodium supplements or high-sodium diets, the CDRR may be exceeded. Additionally, concomitant use may increase the risk for hypernatremia; this risk is highest in the elderly and people with other risk factors for electrolyte disturbances.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tolvaptan (Samsca)

Theoretically, concomitant use of tolvaptan with sodium might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Tolvaptan is a vasopressin receptor 2 antagonist that is used to increase sodium levels in patients with hyponatremia. Patients taking tolvaptan should use caution with the use of sodium salts such as sodium chloride.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Sodium full monograph & interactions

L-Taurine2 drug types · 173 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taurine might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Some clinical evidence suggests that taurine can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, taurine might reduce excretion and increase plasma levels of lithium.
Taurine is thought to have diuretic properties, which might reduce the excretion of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
L-Taurine full monograph & interactions

Carnosine1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking carnosine with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some, but not all, preliminary clinical research shows that carnosine might reduce fasting blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Carnosine full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ, from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ has a known interaction with 500 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ contains 7 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this interfere with my blood pressure medication?
Possibly. Sodium in this product can reduce how well some blood pressure medications work. L-taurine and vitamin B6 may also have blood-pressure-lowering effects. Check your specific medication with our search tool before starting.
Is it safe if I take a blood thinner?
R-lipoic acid in this product may increase bleeding risk when used with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs — a moderate-severity interaction. Don't start this without running it by your pharmacist first.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Pregnancy and lactation safety data are incomplete for most ingredients here. L-taurine is likely safe while pregnant, and vitamin B6 is used for morning sickness under a doctor's guidance. Carnosine and R-lipoic acid should be avoided. Talk to your obstetrician or pharmacist before taking any of this product.
What does R-lipoic acid do in this formula?
R-lipoic acid (from alpha-lipoic acid) is an antioxidant that plays a role in energy production in your cells. It's possibly effective for diabetic nerve pain and high cholesterol, though it can lower blood sugar and may interact with chemotherapy drugs.
Is there any evidence this supports mitochondrial health?
The overall claim about mitochondrial support isn't established in our data. Some individual ingredients — taurine, vitamin B6, R-lipoic acid, and benfotiamine — have possibly effective evidence for specific conditions like nerve pain and heart function, but we don't have evidence for the combination as a whole.
What are the most common side effects?
L-taurine may cause constipation or diarrhea. R-lipoic acid may cause headache, nausea, or heartburn. Vitamin B6 at high doses can cause headache or nausea. High sodium from the supplement can increase your blood pressure over time. Most ingredients are generally well tolerated at typical doses.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Sodium

Interacts with 205 drugs

Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte your body needs to balance fluids, support nerves, and help muscles work. Most people in modern diets get more than enough—often too much—from...

Read the full Sodium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Taurine

Interacts with 173 drugs

Taurine is an amino acid your body makes naturally and that you also get from animal foods. It is widely used in energy drinks and sports supplements, and short-term use appears generally sa...

Read the full Taurine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin B6

Interacts with 210 drugs

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is best known for helping with pregnancy-rel...

Read the full Vitamin B6 monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Benfotiamine

Benfotiamine is a man-made, fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 (thiamine) that the body may absorb more easily than regular thiamine. It is mostly studied for diabetic nerve problems, but the ev...

Read the full Benfotiamine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Carnosine

Interacts with 86 drugs

Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (made of beta-alanine and histidine) that acts as an antioxidant and buffer in muscle and brain. It is sold as an anti-aging and performance supp...

Read the full Carnosine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Alpha-lipoic Acid

Interacts with 263 drugs

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain, where some evidence suggests it may help...

Read the full Alpha-lipoic Acid monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 145 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Sodium 38 references
  1. Garabedian-Ruffalo SM, Ruffalo RL. Drug and nutrient interactions. Am Fam Physician 1986;33:165-74.
  2. Food and Drug Administration Science Background: Safety of Sodium Phosphates Oral Solution. September 17, 2001. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/safety/sodiumphospate.htm
  3. Coton T, Mallaret C, Coilliot C, Carre D, Guisset M. Severe acute ulcerated gastritis induced by salt. Presse Med 2009;38(3):499-500. PubMed
  4. Frings-Meuthen P, Buehlmeier J, Baecker N, et al. High sodium chloride intake exacerbates immobilization-induced bone resorption and protein losses. J Appl Physiol 2011;111(2):537-542. PubMed
  5. Frings-Meuthen P, Baecker N, Heer M. Low-grade metabolic acidosis may be the cause of sodium chloride-induced exaggerated bone resorption. J Bone Miner Res 2008;23(4):517-524. PubMed
  6. Alam S, Johnson AG. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) among healthy normotensive and essential hypertensive elderly patients to determine the effect of high salt (NaCl) diet of blood pressure. J Hum Hypertens 1999;13(6):367-74.
  7. Boudville N, Ward S, Benaroia M, House AA. Increased sodium intake correlates with greater use of antihypertensive agents by subjects with chronic kidney disease. Am J Hypertens 2005;18(10):1300-5. PubMed
  8. Bennett WM. Drug interactions and consequences of sodium restriction. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;65(2 Suppl):678S-681S. PubMed
  9. Okusa MD, Crystal LJ. Clinical manifestations and management of acute lithium intoxication. Am J Med 1994;97(4):383-9. PubMed
  10. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary reference intakes for water, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfate. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2005. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=10925. DOI
  11. D'Elia L, Rossi G, Ippolito R, Cappuccio FP, Strazzullo P. Habitual salt intake and risk of gastric cancer: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Clin Nutr 2012;31(4):489-98. PubMed
  12. Goldsmith SR. Hyponatremia in heart failure: time for a trial. J Card Fail 2013;19(6):398-400. PubMed
  13. Willocks L, Brettle R, Keen J, Valentine C, Pinching AJ. Formulations of didanosine (ddI) and salt overload. Lancet 1992;339(8786):190.
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  48. Sehgal T, Ohri U, Mittal N, Attri P, Dishant F. A Case of Insulin Autoimmune Syndrome in an Indian Male Taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Cureus 2023;15(8):e43743. PubMed

See these in context on the Alpha-lipoic Acid monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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