Doctors prescribe statins to people with high cholesterol who are at a high risk for stroke or heart disease in an effort to lower their cholesterol. Different types of statins are available, but these medications have side effects and interact with certain other medications; you need to balance the risks with the benefits. Some people take coenzyme Q10 supplements to help limit the side effects.
Statins and Coenzyme Q10 Levels
People who have high cholesterol may have lower levels of CoQ10 in their bodies, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, and taking statins may lower these levels even further by interfering with a precursor of CoQ10. Low levels of CoQ10 may interfere with the function of your mitochondria, leading to muscle pain. Taking supplemental CoQ10 can help correct these lower levels of CoQ10 without interfering with the beneficial effects of the statin medication.
Statin Side Effects
One of the major but less common side effects of statins is rhabdomyolysis, a type of severe muscle damage that can lead to kidney failure and death if not treated. Statins can also cause liver damage. More common side effects include rashes, diarrhea, upset stomach, constipation, headaches, dizziness and muscle pain.
Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation
Supplemental coenzyme Q10 may help limit muscle pain from taking statins and help prevent rhabdomyolysis. However, there isn't enough evidence from clinical studies to recommend CoQ10 supplements for all statin users, according to a systematic review of the evidence published in "The Journal of the American College of Cardiology" in June 2007. However, the authors of the review note that people experiencing muscle pain from statins who can't switch to other cholesterol-lowering medications may want to try this supplement based on preliminary and anecdotal evidence.
Considerations
Coenzyme Q10 is generally well tolerated, although it may cause upset stomach in some people. CoQ10 also interacts with certain medications, including those for blood pressure and blood thinners. CoQ10 may also lower blood sugar levels. Speak with your doctor before taking coenzyme Q10 to ensure it is safe for you and to determine the appropriate dose.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Coenzyme Q10: Can It Prevent Statin Side Effects?; Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D.; February 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Coenzyme Q10; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 20, 2009
- "Journal of the American College of Cardiology"; The Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Statin-associated Myopathy: A Systematic Review; L. Marcoff, et al.; June 2007
- "Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants"; Should I Take Coenzyme Q10 with a Statin?; Lanae Williams, MPAS, et al.; December 2006
- MayoClinic.com; Statins: Are These Cholesterol-lowering Drugs Right for You?; February 2010
