Co-enzyme Q10 and flaxseed oil don't have much in common at first glance: one is a substance your body produces itself, the other a plant oil rich in omega-3. This supplement brings them together in a single capsule anyway, with a generous dose of Q10 and a plant-based source of omega-3 in the form of ALA. Here's what these two ingredients are, what they do, and how to take this formula day to day.
Co-enzyme Q10, a substance your body already makes
Co-enzyme Q10 is naturally present in every cell of your body, where it plays a role in cellular energy production. You'll also find it in certain foods, such as oily fish, meat and nuts, though usually in fairly modest amounts, which is why some people turn to a supplement to get a defined daily amount. Scientific literature describes natural Q10 levels as gradually lower with advancing age, which explains the interest in this kind of supplement among some adults. This formula provides 200 mg per daily dose, a generous amount compared with more standard formulas.
Flaxseed oil, a plant-based source of omega-3
Flaxseed oil is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid the body doesn't produce on its own and so must come from the diet. This formula provides 260 mg per daily dose, of which 130 mg is ALA. That amount sits below the 2g-a-day ALA threshold linked to an authorised EU cholesterol health claim, so no such claim can be attached to this formula. It remains a useful plant-based source of omega-3 alongside others, for varying your intake.
Is 200mg a lot for Q10?
Common co-enzyme Q10 supplements often provide between 30mg and 100mg per dose. The 200mg in this formula sits towards the higher end of what's typical. A higher dose doesn't automatically mean a stronger effect: it's simply a feature of this formula, worth comparing with other products based on your own preference.
Why combine Q10 and flaxseed oil?
Q10 and flaxseed oil don't share the same mechanism. Bringing them together in one capsule is mainly about convenience: one dose instead of two separate supplements. Each ingredient keeps its own dosage, clearly stated on the product label. This kind of formula generally fits into a broader daily routine, alongside a varied diet, without replacing medical advice if you're ever unsure.
A plant-based alternative to fish oil
If you're looking for an omega-3 source without fish, flaxseed oil is a plant-based alternative. It doesn't provide the same fatty acids as fish oil (EPA and DHA), but ALA, which the body converts to those forms only in small, inefficient amounts. If you'd prefer a formula based on EPA and DHA, our Omega 3 article explains the difference in more detail.
A note on blood thinners
Co-enzyme Q10 can interact with certain blood-thinning medicines, such as warfarin, and reduce their effectiveness. If you're taking that kind of medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting this supplement.
How do you take this formula?
The recommended dose is 2 capsules a day. Like any food supplement, it doesn't replace a varied, balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle: it sits alongside those habits, not in place of them. Q10 is fat-soluble: taking it with a meal that contains some fat generally helps absorption.
Prefer a formula with traditional ingredients such as Q10, artichoke and red yeast rice? Have a look at our Red Yeast Rice + Q10 + Artichoke. Want to know more about fish-oil omega-3? Read our article Omega 3: what it's for and how much do you need?.
