Cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins are among the most prescribed medications in the United States. In addition to the cholesterol you may eat in food, your body makes cholesterol in the liver. Statins work by blocking a substance needed for the liver's production of cholesterol. As your body's production of cholesterol drops, the liver pulls dietary cholesterol from the blood. Statins are generally well tolerated by most people, but there are a few considerations when it comes to food and nutrients.
Grapefruit and Statin Absorption
If you take statins, use caution when eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. One or more of the hundreds of chemicals in grapefruit blocks a digestive enzyme that reduces absorption of statins, according to the Harvard Medical School's Family Health Guide. Researchers suspect the chemical in question is furanocoumarin, which is also found in sour oranges and tangelos. When the enzyme is blocked, more statin goes directly into your bloodstream. The effect wears off slowly and is still evident after 24 hours. The levels of some statins are boosted more than others; these include Lipitor, Zocor and Mevacor. Less affected by grapefruit are Lescol, Pravachol and Crestor.
Depletion of Coenzyme Q10
A molecule called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, is the major energy source of human cells. It is made inside mitochondria, which are the energy "factories" of cells. Coenzyme Q10 is necessary for the production of ATP. Coenzyme Q10 is found in some foods, particularly fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, organ meats and whole grains. Most people can obtain enough through a balanced diet, but according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, statins appear to deplete the body of coenzyme Q10 and supplements may be needed. In addition, some studies indicate that coenzyme Q10 supplementation can decrease the muscle pain sometimes associated with taking statins, notes the UMMC.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Effectiveness
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential for health. Since they can't be made in the body, they must be obtained through the diet or in supplements. By themselves, they can raise HDL, or "good" cholesterol, and lower triglycerides. In addition, it appears omega-3s may help statins work more effectively, according to the UMMC. Good food sources are cold-water fish such as salmon and halibut, seeds, nuts and oils made from seeds and nuts.
Liver Damage
In rare cases, statins can cause liver damage. The Colorado State University Extension advises that people taking statins should not drink large amounts of alcohol as this may increase the risk of liver damage.
