Statins, also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, are prescription drugs used to lower levels of cholesterol. Coenzyme Q10 is a compound naturally produced by the body that is involved in numerous biological processes. Health supplements containing coenzyme Q10 are used to treat a variety of health conditions. Recent research has uncovered interactions between statins and coenzyme Q10 that may lead to unintended consequences. As with any prescription drug, if you are given a prescription for statins, you should tell your doctor about all the health supplements you are taking, including coenzyme Q10.
Statin Function
Statins inhibit the function of an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. Specifically, HMG-CoA reductase is required to produce a compound called mevalonate, which undergoes different subsequent biochemical reactions to produce other biological molecules, including cholesterol or coenzyme Q10. When statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, they block the production of mevalonate, blocking the production of both cholesterol and coenzyme Q10. While this inhibition makes statins very effective in lowering cholesterol levels, it also has other effects.
Coenzyme Q10 in the Blood
Although it is clear that statins inhibit the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q10, the actual effect of this inhibition on the body is not well understood. Statins lower the concentration of coenzyme Q10 circulating through the body in the blood, explains the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. However, how this lowering of the concentration actually affects the activity of coenzyme Q10 is not fully understood because coenzyme Q10 is dependent on lipid molecules in the blood, and statins also lower levels of lipids in the blood. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between statins and the activity of circulating coenzyme Q10 in the blood. Coenzyme Q10 is present in the cell membranes of all the cells in your body, and it plays a key role in several biochemical processes, such as energy production. Coenzyme Q10 also appears to increase the effectiveness of antioxidants in the body, such as vitamin E.
Coenzyme Q10 in the Blood
While the effect on the concentration of coenzyme Q10 in the blood is well documented, very few studies have examined the effect of statins on the concentration of coenzyme Q10 within organs, where coenzyme Q10 actually performs most of its actions. Small clinical trials, such as one published in the November 2005 issue of the journal "Archives of Neurology," have found that statins decrease the level of coenzyme Q10 inside muscles of some, but not all patients.
Effect on Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation
Because coenzyme Q10 is involved in so many biological processes, it is used to treat health conditions ranging from diabetes and high blood pressure to heart disease and Parkinson's disease. Although the exact effect of statins on the activity is still under investigation, some evidence indicates that taking statins reduces the effectiveness of taking coenzyme Q10 to treat these other health conditions, reports the National Cancer Institute.
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