Coenzyme Q10 and Statins for Lowering Cholesterol:
A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology suggests that supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 may decrease muscle pain associated with statin drug use.
Background:
“Treatment of hypercholesterolemia with statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) is effective in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, statin use is often associated with a variety of muscle-related symptoms or myopathies. Myopathy may be related in part to statin inhibition of the endogenous synthesis of coenzyme Q10, an essential cofactor for mitochondrial energy production. “
Study Conclusions:
“In conclusion, results suggest that coenzyme Q10 supplementation may decrease muscle pain associated with statin treatment. Thus, coenzyme Q10 supplementation may offer an alternative to stopping treatment with these vital drugs.”
Key points:
- Participants in this study consumed 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day for 30 days.
- If you’re taking statin medication, talk to your doctor about supplementation with coenzyme Q10
Reference:
- Caso G, Kelly P, McNurlan MA, Lawson WE. Effect of coenzyme q10 on myopathic symptoms in patients treated with statins. Am J Cardiol. 2007 May 15;99(10):1409-12. Epub 2007 Apr 3.
About Jarret Morrow, M.D.
[...] levels by approximately 6% and 10% respectively (from randomized controlled trial data). Since statin medications can have significant side effects or patients may not tolerate increases in their dosage, one alternative to doubling statin dose is [...]