The short answer
- Together is fine: no known interaction; take both with a meal containing fat for better absorption.
- Typical doses: CoQ10 100–200 mg/day; krill oil 500–2,000 mg/day (check the EPA + DHA content).
- Check first if you take warfarin or other blood thinners, are allergic to shellfish, are pregnant, or have surgery coming up.
What CoQ10 and krill oil are
Coenzyme Q10 is made by the body and used in the energy-producing mitochondria of cells, and as an antioxidant. Levels fall with age and with statin use. Supplements come as ubiquinone or ubiquinol; see ubiquinol vs ubiquinone.
Krill oil comes from tiny Antarctic crustaceans. Like fish oil, it provides the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, but partly bound to phospholipids, and it contains the red pigment astaxanthin. A 1,000 mg capsule usually provides much less EPA + DHA (often 150–250 mg) than a 1,000 mg concentrated fish oil capsule.
What the evidence shows
| Claim |
Evidence |
| Omega-3 lowers high triglycerides |
Yes, at prescription doses (2–4 g EPA/DHA daily); krill oil doses are usually far lower |
| Omega-3 prevents heart disease in healthy people |
Large trials (e.g. VITAL) found no reduction in major cardiovascular events overall |
| High-dose omega-3 and atrial fibrillation |
Slightly higher risk of AF at high doses in some trials |
| CoQ10 for statin muscle aches |
Mixed; some people report benefit, but trials overall are inconclusive |
| CoQ10 in heart failure |
Some evidence of benefit as an add-on (Q-SYMBIO trial); use only with your cardiologist |
| CoQ10 for migraine prevention |
Small trials suggest modest benefit |
How to take them together
- Take both with your main meal; fat improves CoQ10 absorption.
- Split CoQ10 doses above 100 mg (for example 100 mg twice daily) for steadier levels.
- For omega-3, compare products by milligrams of EPA + DHA, not by oil weight.
- Store krill and fish oil away from heat; a rancid smell means oxidised oil.
- Give it 8–12 weeks before judging any effect.
Cautions
| Situation |
Concern |
| Warfarin |
CoQ10 is structurally similar to vitamin K and may reduce warfarin’s effect; omega-3 may add slightly to bleeding. Tell your anticoagulation clinic and check INR |
| Apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, aspirin |
Small additive bleeding risk from omega-3; usually acceptable at modest doses, but ask |
| Shellfish allergy |
Avoid krill oil; choose fish or algae oil |
| Before surgery |
Usually stop omega-3 supplements 1–2 weeks before; ask the surgical team |
| Diabetes medicines, blood pressure tablets |
CoQ10 may slightly lower blood sugar and pressure; monitor |
| Chemotherapy |
Antioxidant supplements should be discussed with the oncology team |
More on which supplements are worth taking, and how to judge a label, is in the vitamins and supplements guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is krill oil better than fish oil?
Krill oil may be absorbed a little better per milligram of omega-3, but capsules usually contain much less EPA + DHA, so you need more capsules for the same dose, at higher cost. Fish oil or algae oil is usually better value.
Can I take CoQ10 with statins?
Yes. There’s no harmful interaction, and some people take it hoping to reduce muscle aches. Don’t stop your statin without talking to your doctor if you have muscle pain.
What time of day should I take CoQ10?
With a meal containing fat. Some people find it slightly energising and prefer morning or lunchtime.
Sources and further reading
CanforaMedicine Guide
