Coenzyme Q10, often abbreviated CoQ10, is a compound that is naturally produced by the body and found in high levels in the liver, heart, pancreas and kidneys. Coenzyme Q10 is also found in certain foods, particularly seafood and meat. Health supplements containing CoQ10 are used to treat a variety of health conditions including heart disease and high blood pressure. As of 2011, there is limited research investigating the ability of CoQ10 to reduce the side effects of a widely-used class of cholesterol medications known as statins. The results so far have been inconclusive.
Side Effects of Statins
Statins, which are also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, are a popular prescription medication used to lower cholesterol levels. These medications work by inhibiting the synthesis of an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme needed by the body to synthesize cholesterol. Statins often cause side effects, particularly muscle pain resulting from the break-down of muscle tissue. Doctors still do not fully understand why statins cause this damage to muscle tissue.
Statin Effect on CoQ10
The enzyme that is inhibited by statins, HMG-CoA reductase, is also needed by the body to synthesize CoQ10. As a result, taking statins reduces your body's ability to make more coenzyme Q10. This reduction in CoQ10 production lowers levels of CoQ10 in the blood, but it is not clear if CoQ10 levels are also lowered inside muscles. Because CoQ10 plays a role in producing energy in cells and muscles, some researchers theorize that the muscle pain side effects of statins are caused by this inhibitory effect of statins on CoQ10 production, explains an article published in 2007 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
CoQ10 Treatment
Only a handful of studies have investigated the treatment of statin side effects with CoQ10. Several studies conclude that taking CoQ10 supplements can reverse the drop in CoQ10 levels caused by statins. However, the studies showed mixed results concerning reduction of statin-induced muscle pain, according to a review article in the June 2007 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology." Some studies found small decreases in muscle pain, while other studies have found no effect. Additional research is needed to clarify these results.
CoQ10 Side Effects
Supplements containing CoQ10 are generally safe and well-tolerated, although they may occasionally cause side effects. Most of the reported side effects are mild and include upset stomach, nausea, heartburn and appetite loss. Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur. Coenzyme Q10 may also lower blood pressure, which could cause problems for people taking other blood-pressure-lowering medications. As with any health supplement, you should consult your doctor before taking CoQ10 supplements.
