When you take a statin medication to lower your cholesterol , it may lower the amount of coenzyme Q10 in your cells and in your bloodstream, too. Some researchers have suggested that low levels of coenzyme Q10 can lead to the muscle aches that can be associated with statin use.
With that in mind, coenzyme Q10 supplements have sometimes been recommended for people who take statins. However, results from the research studies that have looked at giving people on statins coenzyme Q10 supplements have not been definitive.
When participants in the studies know that they are getting coenzyme Q10, results often show that they experience fewer muscle aches. When the studies are double-blind — meaning neither the patient nor the doctor know if the medication they are getting is a statin or a sugar pill — then a coenzyme Q10 supplement has never been shown to be helpful in reducing muscle aches. Ubiquinone is converted to its active form, ubiquinol, which is then readily absorbed and utilized by your body 2.
Aside from being naturally produced by your body, CoQ10 can be obtained through foods including eggs, fatty fish , organ meats, nuts and poultry 3. CoQ10 plays a fundamental role in energy production and acts as a powerful antioxidant, inhibiting free radical generation and preventing cell damage 4. Though your body makes CoQ10, several factors can deplete its levels. For example, the rate of its production significantly declines with age, which is associated with the onset of age-related conditions like heart disease and cognitive decline 5.
Other causes of CoQ10 depletion include statin medication use, heart disease, nutrient deficiencies, genetic mutations, oxidative stress and cancer 6. Supplementing with CoQ10 has been shown to counteract damage or improve conditions related to a deficiency in this important compound. CoQ10 is a compound with many important functions in your body. Various factors can deplete CoQ10 levels, which is why supplements may become necessary.
Though 90— mg of CoQ10 per day is typically recommended, needs can vary depending on the person and condition being treated 8. Statins are a group of medications that are used to lower high blood levels of cholesterol or triglycerides to prevent heart disease 9.
Though these drugs are generally well tolerated, they can cause adverse side effects, such as serious muscle injury and liver damage. Statins also interfere with the production of mevalonic acid, which is used to form CoQ This has been shown to significantly decrease CoQ10 levels in the blood and muscle tissues Research has shown that supplementing with CoQ10 reduces muscle pain in those taking statin medications.
However, other studies have shown no effect, emphasizing the need for more research on this topic For people taking statin medications, the typical dosage recommendation for CoQ10 is 30— mg per day Those with heart conditions, such as heart failure and angina, may benefit from taking a CoQ10 supplement.
A review of 13 studies in people with heart failure found that mg of CoQ10 per day for 12 weeks improved blood flow from the heart Plus, supplementing has been shown to reduce the number of hospital visits and the risk of dying from heart-related issues in individuals with heart failure CoQ10 is also effective in reducing the pain associated with angina, which is chest pain caused by your heart muscle not getting enough oxygen For people with heart failure or angina, the typical dosage recommendation for CoQ10 is 60— mg per day What's the evidence behind the use of CoQ10 with statins?
Dear Reader : First, let's take a look at statins. These drugs have been repeatedly shown to lower cholesterol levels -- leading to decreased rates of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes -- but they can have side effects. The most common side effect I've seen among my patients is muscle pain, which is the reason that most people stop these very beneficial drugs.
Now let's look at CoQ This coenzyme is needed for energy production within muscle cells. Some studies have shown that statins decrease the concentration of CoQ10 in both muscle tissue and in the bloodstream. This site is intended for informational purposes only and not to provide medical advice. Learn how to enable it here.
About ConsumerLab. Contact Us Privacy Policy. Save to favorites This feature is restricted to active members. Join now to save favorites and get all member benefits, including over 1, reviews. Join Now Already a member? Answer: CoQ10 can be taken at the same time as statin medication. However, regular CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so it is best absorbed with foods that contain fats. Some statins are better absorbed when taken without food, so, if yours is one of them, it would be better to take CoQ10 separately with a meal that contains fats or oils preferably unsaturated fats or oil, as these are better for your cardiovascular system.
Note: Some CoQ10 supplements include bioavailability enhancers, allowing them to be taken without food. If you typically take your statin medication at night and want to take CoQ10 at the same time, be aware that taking CoQ10 at bedtime may cause insomnia in some people.
Also see our Top Picks among CoQ10 supplements. Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to all CL Answers and over 1, reviews. Join now at www. The manufacture date was hidden under a sticker, but was 13 months ago. No "Best By" date is listed. Is this product still good to use? What are CoQ10 side effects?
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