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Will Taking CoQ10 Counteract Side Effects of Statins?

Research physicians and scientists studied the effects of statin drugs on patients for several years. Eventually, they noticed in patients lowered levels of a ubiquitous coenzyme and antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 (coQ10). Further research investigated adverse statin side effects and showed reversal of side effects with supplemental coQ10.

  1. Coenzyme Q10

    • Coenzyme Q10 (coQ10) is a coenzyme produced naturally in the body. It functions inside cells in mitochondria to make energy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), for the cells and body. The highest amounts of the coenzyme occur in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas. The heart muscle is sensitive to coQ10 deficiency.

    Statins

    • Statins are drugs that inhibit an enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, responsible for synthesizing both cholesterol and coQ10. Statins, such as simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), and atorvastatin (Lipitor), lower LDL cholesterol, and also decrease blood levels of coQ10.

    Side Effects Reversed

    • Marc A. Silver and other researchers published a study in the American Journal of Cardiology in 2004, showing that heart muscle weakness occurred in 70 percent of previously normal patients who had been treated with Lipitor (20 mg per day) for six months. Their heart muscle dysfunction was reversed with a coQ10 supplement.

      Even though cholesterol ratios can be perfected by a statin drug, several undesirable statin side effects can occur. Dr. Peter H. Langsjoen, a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, wrote a review article on statin side effects and the importance of taking coQ10 in the February 2008 issue of Life Extension magazine.

      His research group stopped statins for 50 patients and began supplemental coQ10. After 28 months, figures showed improvements for side effects of muscle pain and weakness, fatigue, memory loss, shortness of breath and peripheral neuropathy.

      Another of his research studies emphasized the benefits of coQ10 for congestive heart failure patients.

      According to Langsjoen, “Those who suffer from congestive heart failure or who use statin medications should aim to consume higher doses of coQ10 (ubiquinone or ubiquinol).”

    Considerations

    • If you take a statin, take a 100 mg coQ10 softgel twice daily, in the morning and at noon. Avoid taking it late in the day, to prevent insomnia. Check this out with your physician. If you take a blood-thinning drug, coQ10 may alter its effect. Your physician can monitor that possibility. If you decide not to take a statin to lower LDL cholesterol level, improve your diet and lifestyle, and review nutritional guidelines.

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