Coenzyme Q10 is produced naturally by the body and can be obtained in small amounts from meat and seafood as well. In addition, coenzyme Q10 is available in synthetic form as a supplement. People take these supplements for various reasons, including the reduction of a certain type of muscle pain. Consult a qualified health care provider before adding coenzyme Q10 supplements to your health regimen.
Statin-induced Myopathy
If you have high cholesterol, you may be taking a statin medication to lower your cholesterol levels. Statins are the most effective drugs for reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol, according to an article published in the June 12, 2007 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology." Statins, however, can cause muscle pain in some patients, a condition known as statin-induced myopathy. This muscle pain leads some patients to stop taking their medication.
Coenzyme Q10 and Statins
Because statins block production of a chemical involved in the synthesis of coenzyme Q10, and coenzyme Q10 is essential for energy production in cells, a theory has developed that this statin-induced deficiency in coenzyme Q10 has a role in statin-induced myopathy. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is purported to relieve muscle pain caused by statin medications, but research results are conflicting on its effectiveness, according to MedlinePlus, a website of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Research Example
A study published in the May 15, 2007 issue of the "American Journal of Cardiology" investigated the effects of coenzyme Q10 supplements on statin-induced myopathy. Participants received 100 mg per day of coenzyme Q10 or 400 IU per day of vitamin E for 30 days. The group taking coenzyme Q10 experienced a 38 percent decrease in pain interference with daily activities and a 40 percent decrease in pain severity. No significant changes occurred with the group taking vitamin E, and pain severity in that group actually increased.
Conclusions
The authors of the "Journal of American College of Cardiology" article conducted a review of studies on coenzyme Q10 and statin treatment. The combined research indicates that taking the supplements can raise circulating levels of coenzyme Q10, but it provides contradictory results on whether coenzyme Q10 supplements reduce statin-induced muscle pain. The authors conclude that because coenzyme Q10 is a safe substance, taking coenzyme Q10 may be an option for patients who develop muscle pain while taking statins but should continue taking this cholesterol-lowering medication. You may want to consider taking these supplements, but it's important to tell your doctor if you take a statin medication and are experiencing muscle pain.
References
- MedlinePlus: Coenzyme Q-10
- "American Journal of Cardiology"; Effect Of Coenzyme Q10 On Myopathic Symptoms In Patients Treated With Statins; G. Caso, et al.; May 15, 2007
- "Journal of the American College of Cardiology"; The Role Of Coenzyme Q10 In Statin-Associated Myopathy; L. Marcoff and P.D. Thompson; June 12, 2007
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