Arlene Semeco of Healthline defines Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, as a naturally occurring substance in the human body. It is used by cells to generate energy. CoQ10 also acts as a powerful antioxidant, aiding in the fight against free radicals that can harm cells and DNA. However, as you age, your body produces less and less CoQ10. People with certain diseases, such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and heart problems, have low CoQ10 levels. It is unknown whether disease causes the deficiency or if the deficiency appears first, causing cells to age faster and increasing the likelihood of disease. Although your body produces CoQ10, Diana Bocco claims that you can also get it from certain foods. Oily fish and organ meats, such as beef liver, are excellent sources of CoQ10. Whole grains contain it as well. Most pharmacies and health food stores sell a supplement containing a synthetic form of CoQ10.
Statins, according to Ann Pietrangelo, are a class of prescription drugs used to treat high cholesterol. Although statins are extremely effective, they are not appropriate for everyone. Statins can cause muscle pain, nausea and diarrhea, liver and kidney damage, elevated blood sugar levels, and type 2 diabetes. Some people suffer from more serious complications, such as rhabdomyolysis. It happens when muscle cells degrade. When muscles contract, a specific protein is released into the bloodstream. As a result, severe kidney problems may result. Statins, in addition to these effects, lower your body's levels of coenzyme Q10. As the levels fall, the side effects of statins become more severe. Certain people are advised to take statins by the American Heart Association. If you have an LDL cholesterol level of 190 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher, already have cardiovascular disease, are 40 to 75 years old and have diabetes, are 40 to 75 years old, have an LDL level between 70 and 189 mg/dL, and have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years, you and your doctor should consider statins.
Taking CoQ10 supplements can help boost your CoQ10 levels and may reduce the side effects of statins. However, research findings on the benefits of CoQ10 for reducing muscle pain associated with statin use are contradictory. According to a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology, taking CoQ10 supplements appeared to reduce muscle breakdown, pain, and discomfort in people taking statins. A recent study in Atherosclerosis, however, suggests that CoQ10 does not reduce muscle pain in people taking statins. CoQ10 supplementation may also help lower cholesterol and improve heart health naturally. In addition, while there aren't enough studies to confirm how well it works, combining CoQ10 with statins may yield better results. While it was once thought that CoQ10 could improve blood pressure, a recent review published in the Cochrane Library suggests that CoQ10 has no more effect on blood pressure than a placebo.
Coenzyme Q10 supplements, according to Diana Bocco, have few reported side effects. Stomach upset appears to be the most common. Because CoQ10 can lower blood sugar levels, people with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels more closely while taking it or avoid it entirely. Some medications, such as beta-blockers, antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs, can interact with CoQ10 supplements. If you take CoQ10 supplements, your doctor may need to adjust your statin dosage. Before taking CoQ10, consult with your doctor.
Although CoQ10 supplements appear to have a lot of promise for heart health, their effectiveness in reducing muscle pain from statins is unknown. More research is needed to confirm their benefit for this side effect. Diana Bocco suggests discussing CoQ10 supplements with your doctor if you're taking statins and experiencing unpleasant side effects. CoQ10 appears to be both safe and tolerable. Taking it may be a good option for you if you're in good health.
ZDS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
References:
1. CoQ10 and Statins: What You Need to Know
Medically reviewed by Darren Hein, PharmD — By Diana Bocco — Updated on September 28, 2018
https://www.healthline.com/health/coq10-and-statins
2. 9 Benefits of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
By Arlene Semeco, MS, RD on October 12, 2017
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coenzyme-q10
3. Statins: Uses, Side Effects, and More
Medically reviewed by Jennie Olopaade, PharmD, RPH — By Ann Pietrangelo — Updated on January 20, 2022
https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol/statins-uses-side-effects
