If you're deciding between CoQ10 and omega-3, or wondering whether you need both, this guide explains what each one is, how they differ, whether you can take them together and what to look for on the label.
CoQ10 and omega-3 often sit side by side on the shelf, and some products combine them. They are very different nutrients, though, so it helps to know what each one does before you buy.
CoQ10 vs omega-3 at a glance
| CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) | Omega-3 (EPA and DHA) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A compound your cells use to make energy. It also acts as an antioxidant [1]. | A family of polyunsaturated fats. EPA and DHA are the long-chain types found in fish [2]. |
| Does your body make it? | Yes, but tissue levels decrease as people age [1]. | Only in small amounts. The body converts less than 15% of plant omega-3 (ALA) into EPA and DHA [2]. |
| Main supplement forms | Ubiquinone and ubiquinol | Fish oil, krill oil and algal oil [2] |
| Take with food? | Usually, with a meal containing fat | Usually, with a meal |
| Medication caution | May reduce the effect of warfarin [1] | High doses may affect clotting with warfarin [2] |
Is CoQ10 the same as omega-3?
No. CoQ10 is a compound your body makes and uses in energy production [1]. Omega-3s are fats, and EPA and DHA mostly come from fish and fish oil because the body makes only small amounts of them [2]. They are often sold together, which is why they are easy to mix up.
Can you take CoQ10 and omega-3 together?
Many people take both, and some supplements combine them in a single softgel. Both are usually taken with a meal. If you take a blood thinner such as warfarin, talk to your doctor first, because both CoQ10 and omega-3 have warfarin cautions [1][2].
Do you need both?
That depends on your diet and goals, and it's a good question to ask your doctor or pharmacist. As a starting point:
- Omega-3: no official intake has been set for EPA and DHA [2], but people who rarely eat fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring or sardines get very little from food [2]. They often look at fish oil.
- CoQ10: your body makes it, but levels fall with age [1]. Some adults add a CoQ10 supplement to their routine for this reason.
- Both: a combined product keeps your routine simple, but it usually contains less CoQ10 than a dedicated CoQ10 supplement. Compare the milligrams on each label.
Ubiquinone or ubiquinol?
CoQ10 supplements come in two forms. Ubiquinone is the oxidized form found in most standard CoQ10 products. Ubiquinol is the reduced form. The label should tell you which one you're getting.
Two options compared
Noni Nectar carries one combined product and one CoQ10-only product. These figures are from Partner.Co's US fact sheets [3][4]; check the label in your country, as formulas can differ.
| Omega-Q® (omega-3 + CoQ10) | Biopro-Q® (ubiquinol CoQ10) | |
|---|---|---|
| CoQ10 | 40 mg per daily serving (2 softgels) [3] | 50 mg ubiquinol (Kaneka Ubiquinol®) per capsule [4] |
| Omega-3 | Fish oil from small ocean fish, including sardine and anchovy [3] | None |
| Also contains | Tahitian noni fruit [3] | BioPerine® black pepper extract (5 mg), Tahitian noni (5 mg) and bitter melon extract (5.1 mg) [4] |
| Capsule | Softgel made with bovine gelatin [3] | Vegetable soft capsule [4] |
| Directions | 1 softgel twice daily, preferably with meals [3] | As directed on the label, with a meal |
| Best for | People who want fish oil and CoQ10 in one product | People who want the ubiquinol form of CoQ10 on its own |
Frequently asked questions
Is CoQ10 the same as omega-3?
No. CoQ10 is a compound the body makes and uses to produce energy. Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) are fats that mainly come from fish and fish oil.
Can I take CoQ10 and omega-3 together?
Many people do, and some supplements combine them. Both are usually taken with a meal. If you take warfarin or another blood thinner, check with your doctor first.
Does the body make CoQ10?
Yes. The body makes CoQ10, but tissue levels decrease as people age.
Can the body make omega-3?
Only in small amounts. The body converts less than 15% of plant omega-3 (ALA) into EPA and DHA, so fish, fish oil or algal oil are the main sources.
Should I take CoQ10 and fish oil with food?
Yes. Both are fat-soluble, so most people take them with a meal.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute. Coenzyme Q10 (PDQ®), Health Professional Version. NCBI Bookshelf, 2024. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. ods.od.nih.gov
- Partner.Co. Nutrifii Omega-Q® Fact Sheet (USA, May 2023). PDF
- Partner.Co. Nutrifii Biopro-Q® Supplement Facts. PDF
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional. Talk to a health professional before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication (including blood thinners), have allergies or have a medical condition.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results vary.
Noni Nectar is an independent Partner.Co Brand Partner and earns money from sales of the products mentioned in this article. Last reviewed: October 2026.
