Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Krill IQ Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements

Krill IQ 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 Krill IQ 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

Krill IQ is a dietary supplement by Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for memory and cognitive support, age-related cognitive decline, attention and focus (adhd).Based on those ingredients, 799 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Astaxanthin, Conjugated Phosphatidylserine, GPC. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Krill IQ by Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Krill IQ by Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Krill IQ by Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements

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 Aug 13, 2026

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • “DHA/EPA” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (100 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Total EPA + DHA” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (50 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Krill IQ contains 6 active ingredients focused on brain and heart health. The blend centers on marine omega-3 fatty acids—eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—sourced from krill.

It also includes phosphatidylserine and alpha-GPC (two compounds that may support memory and cognitive function), astaxanthin (an antioxidant from marine sources), and GPE. The capsule also holds vegetable cellulose, sunflower lecithin, and silica as inactive ingredients.

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: memory and cognitive function support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cognitive function, Dementia, Vascular dementia — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Alzheimer disease.
  • Also on file: Alpha-gpc is rated "Possibly Effective" for Alzheimer disease.

Evidence for Krill IQ's active ingredients is mixed and often limited. Phosphatidylserine is rated possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease, but evidence is insufficient for athletic performance, ADHD, general cognitive function, and dementia.

Alpha-GPC is also rated possibly effective for Alzheimer disease, though evidence remains insufficient for brain tumor, cognitive function, vascular dementia, and stroke. Astaxanthin shows insufficient evidence for all conditions listed in our data, including age-related macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

We have no effectiveness data on file for EPA, DHA, or GPE.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Phosphatidylserine Alpha-gpc Astaxanthin

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Phosphatidylserine and alpha-GPC are generally well tolerated, though long-term safety is not fully established for either. Common side effects from phosphatidylserine include flatulence, gastrointestinal upset, headache, insomnia (more likely at 600 mg doses), and nausea.

Alpha-GPC has rarely been associated with dizziness, excitation, headache, insomnia, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting; rare stroke risk has been reported with use for 2 months or longer. Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated, with most common effects being abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stool; severe stomach pain was reported in two patients at 40 mg daily.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety data advises against phosphatidylserine, alpha-GPC, and astaxanthin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to insufficient information.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Phosphatidylserine Alpha-gpc Astaxanthin

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?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Phosphatidylserine, Astaxanthin, Alpha-gpc.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 800 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.

Before taking Krill IQ, check with your own doctor or pharmacist if you take anticholinergic drugs (antihistamines, some motion-sickness or overactive-bladder medications), cholinergic drugs, scopolamine (Transderm Scop), or drugs broken down by your liver's CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes (including many statins, blood pressure medications, and immunosuppressants). The most serious documented concern is a rare stroke risk associated with alpha-GPC, so long-term use requires medical oversight.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Krill IQ combines omega-3 fatty acids with brain-support compounds, and phosphatidylserine and alpha-GPC have some evidence for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease. However, this product carries notable medication interactions—especially a rare stroke risk with alpha-GPC and potential effects on drugs metabolized by your liver—and is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

If you take any prescription medications, particularly for motion sickness, allergies, high cholesterol, or blood pressure, talk with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2013.

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 Krill IQ, straight from the product label.

Brand Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements
Barcode (UPC) 813006013031
Net contents 120 Licaps(TM) Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2013
DSLD ID 24892
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Krill IQ by Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements, 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:
4 Licaps(TM) Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
4 Licaps(TM) Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
813006013031
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories18 {Calories}--
Calories from Fat18 {Calories}--
Total Fat2 Gram(s)31%
Eicosapentaenoic Acid34 mg--
Docosahexaenoic Acid16 mg--
DHA/EPA100 mg--
Conjugated Phosphatidylserine0 Not Present--
Total EPA + DHA50 mg--
GPC500 mg--
GPE60 mg--
Astaxanthin100 mcg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Sunflower Lecithin, Silica

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.
General Statements

Dr. Mercola has been providing quality products since 2001. To see more products, go to products.mercola.com

Precautions

WARNING: If you are allergic to shellfish, have a blood coagulation condition, or are taking anticoagulants such as Warfarin (Coumadin(R)), do not use Krill IQ.

This product contains shellfish (krill).

WARNING: If you are allergic to shellfish, have a blood coagulation condition, or are taking anticoagulants such as Warfarin (Coumadin(R)), do not use Krill IQ.

Do not use if safety seal is broken.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

SUGGESTED USE: As a dietary supplement, adults take 4 Licaps(TM) capsules daily or as otherwise directed by your healthcare professional.

Seals/Symbols

Sharp GPC active(TM)

Sharp-PS(R) GOLD

General

10064-v304

Formula

A Cognitive Formula with Phosphatidylserine (PS) and GPC

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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.

Storage

STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE WITH LID TIGHTLY CLOSED.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Sharp-GPC(TM) Active and Sharp-PS(R) GOLD are trademarks of Enzymotec Ltd.

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

See for yourself

Krill IQ by Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements label

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

Krill IQ 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 Krill IQ by Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size4 Licaps(TM) 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.

DHA/EPA

100 mg per serving

Total EPA + DHA

50 mg per serving Form: Krill
  • › Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • › Docosahexaenoic Acid

GPC

Interacts with
16 drugs
500 mg per serving

Alpha-GPC is a choline-containing compound used mainly for memory, brain health, and as a choline source. There is some evidence it may help cognition...

GPC monograph & interactions

GPE

60 mg per serving

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
100 mcg per serving Form: Astaxanthin Esters

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise...

Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Sunflower Lecithin, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Krill IQ by Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Krill IQ?

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
799Drugs
799 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Astaxanthin 671
Conjugated Phosphatidylserine 219
GPC 16

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Krill IQ interact with 799 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 6 ingredients in Krill IQ interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Astaxanthin Conjugated Phosphatidylserine GPC

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Krill IQ 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.

Astaxanthin2 drug types · 671 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces cytochrome CYP2B6 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces CYP3A4 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Astaxanthin full monograph & interactions

Conjugated Phosphatidylserine2 drug types · 219 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might decrease the effectiveness anticholinergic drugs.
Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels, which could theoretically interfere with the activity of anticholinergic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might have additive effects with cholinergic drugs.
Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels, which could theoretically lead to additive cholinergic effects when used with cholinergic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Conjugated Phosphatidylserine full monograph & interactions

GPC1 drug type · 16 drugs

Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)

Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
A small clinical study shows that alpha-GPC can partially counteract the attention and memory impairment effects caused by scopolamine given intramuscularly. Whether alpha-GPC can decrease the beneficial anti-motion sickness effects of the scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
GPC full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Krill IQ, from the product label.

Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements

See all Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements products
Name
Mercola Health Resources, LLC.
Street Address
3200 West Higgins Rd.
City
Hoffman Estates
State
IL
ZipCode
60169
Phone Number
(847) 252-4355
Web Address
www.mercola.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Krill IQ by Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements: Common Questions

Does Krill IQ by Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Krill IQ has a known interaction with 799 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Krill IQ contains 6 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.
Does phosphatidylserine in Krill IQ actually work for memory?
Phosphatidylserine is rated possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease. However, evidence is insufficient for general cognitive function and other memory concerns, so results aren't guaranteed for everyone.
What are the most common side effects?
Phosphatidylserine may cause flatulence, gastrointestinal upset, headache, and nausea, especially at higher doses. Alpha-GPC can cause dizziness, headache, insomnia, and gastrointestinal effects. Astaxanthin may cause abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or red-colored stool. Most users tolerate it well, but effects vary.
Can I take Krill IQ if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against all three of the main active ingredients—phosphatidylserine, alpha-GPC, and astaxanthin—during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to confirm safety. Talk with your own doctor or pharmacist about alternatives.
What's the stroke risk I've heard about with alpha-GPC?
Alpha-GPC has been rarely associated with stroke when used for 2 months or longer. This is uncommon, but it's a serious concern—especially if you're considering long-term use. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you weigh the potential cognitive benefits against this risk.
Is astaxanthin the same as the antioxidants in other supplements?
Astaxanthin is a specific marine antioxidant included here for potential brain and overall health support. Evidence for its effectiveness is currently insufficient in our data, but it's generally well tolerated at typical doses.
Will Krill IQ interfere with my blood pressure medication?
Astaxanthin may theoretically lower blood levels of certain blood pressure drugs broken down by your liver (CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 substrates). This effect hasn't been confirmed in humans, but you should discuss it with your own doctor or pharmacist before combining them.

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.

Krill IQ label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Krill IQ’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Phosphatidylserine

Interacts with 219 drugs

Phosphatidylserine is a natural fat-like compound found in cell membranes, especially in the brain, and it is sold mainly to support memory and thinking. Some research suggests possible bene...

Read the full Phosphatidylserine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Alpha-gpc

Interacts with 16 drugs

Alpha-GPC is a choline-containing compound used mainly for memory, brain health, and as a choline source. There is some evidence it may help cognition in people with dementia, but evidence i...

Read the full Alpha-gpc monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Astaxanthin

Interacts with 671 drugs

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise benefits. Early human studies are promis...

Read the full Astaxanthin monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Krill IQ'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 16 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.

Phosphatidylserine 9 references
  1. Crook T, Petrie W, Wells C, Massari DC. Effects of phosphatidylserine in Alzheimer's disease. Psychopharmacol Bull 1992;28:61-6.
  2. Pepping J. Phosphatidylserine. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 1999;56:2038,2043-4.
  3. Kidd PM. Phosphatidylserine; Membrane nutrient for memory. A clinical and mechanistic assessment. Altern Med Rev 1996;1:70-84.
  4. Kim HY, Akbar M, Lau A, et al. Inhibition of neuronal apoptosis by docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3). Role of phosphatidylserine in antiapoptotic effect. J Biol Chem 2000;275:35215-23.. PubMed
  5. Zanotti A, Valzelli L, Toffano G. Chronic phosphatidylserine treatment improves spatial memory and passive avoidance in aged rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1989;99:316-21.. PubMed
  6. Schreiber S, Kampf-Sherf O, Gorfine M, et al. An open trial of plant-source derived phosphatydilserine for treatment of age-related cognitive decline. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci 2000;37:302-7.
  7. Pepping, J. Phosphatidylserine. Am J Health Syst.Pharm. 10-15-1999;56(20):2038, 2043-2038, 2044.
  8. Monteverde, A., Gnemmi, P., Rossi, F., Monteverde, A., and Finali, G. C. Selegiline in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer-type dementia. Clin.Ther 1990;12(4):315-322.
  9. Vakhapova V, Cohen T, Richter Y, Herzog Y, Kam Y, Korczyn AD. Phosphatidylserine containing omega-3 Fatty acids may improve memory abilities in nondemented elderly individuals with memory complaints: results from an open-label extension study. Dement Geri PubMed

See these in context on the Phosphatidylserine monograph →

Alpha-gpc 4 references
  1. Di Perri R, Coppola G, Ambrosio LA, et al. A multicentre trial to the evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine versus cytosine diphosphocholine in patients with vascular dementia. J Int Med Res 1991;19:330-41.
  2. Barbagallo Sangiorgi G, Barbagallo M, Giordano M, et al. Alpha-glycerophosphocholine in the mental recovery of cerebral ischemic attacks: An Italian multicenter clinical trial. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1994;717:253-69. PubMed
  3. Canal N, Franceschi M, Alberoni M, et al. Effect of L-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine on amnesia caused by scopolamine. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1991;29:103-7.
  4. Lee G, Choi S, Chang J, et al. Association of L-a glycerylphosphorylcholine with subsequent stroke risk after 10 Years. JAMA Netw Open 2021;4(11):e2136008.

See these in context on the Alpha-gpc monograph →

Astaxanthin 3 references
  1. Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, et al. Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled
  2. Kistler, A., Liechti, H., Pichard, L., Wolz, E., Oesterhelt, G., Hayes, A., and Maurel, P. Metabolism and CYP-inducer properties of astaxanthin in man and primary human hepatocytes. Arch.Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):665-675. PubMed
  3. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2011;66:363-369. PubMed

See these in context on the Astaxanthin 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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