Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Statins: What you need to know

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a substance that the human body produces naturally. Cells use it to generate energy. CoQ10 also functions as a potent antioxidant, helping to fight free radicals that can damage cells and DNA.
However, the body produces less and less CoQ10 as you age. People with certain conditions, including diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and heart problems, tend to have low levels of Coenzyme Q10 in their bodies. It is not known whether these diseases cause this deficiency or if the coenzyme q10 deficiency comes first, causing cells to age faster and the body to become more susceptible to disease.
Although the body is capable of producing CoQ10 on its own, it can also be obtained from certain foods. Good food sources of Coenzyme Q10 are oily fish and organ meats, such as beef liver. In addition, coenzyme q10 can also be found in whole grains. Coenzyme Q10 is also artificially produced as a supplement in most pharmacies and health food stores.

Statins are a drug that treats blood fats, reduces high cholesterol levels in the blood and requires a prescription. Although statins are very effective, they are not for everyone. Statins can cause side effects such as:
Muscle pain Nausea and diarrhea Liver and kidney damage Increased blood sugar and type 2 diabetes Some people experience more serious side effects, including including a condition called rhabdomyolysis. It occurs when muscle cells break down. When muscles contract, a certain protein is released into the bloodstream. In turn, this can cause serious kidney problems.
Along with these unwanted effects, statins also reduce the level of coenzyme Q10 in your body. As coenzyme 10 levels decrease, the side effects of statins increase.

Taking Coenzyme Q10 supplements can help increase the amount of CoQ10 in the body and may reduce the side effects of statins. However, research results on the benefits of CoQ10 in reducing muscle pain associated with statin use are conflicting.
For muscle pain
In a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology, researchers showed that taking CoQ10 supplements seemed to reduce muscle breakdown, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing. tolerance in statin users. However, a recent study in the journal Atherosclerosis found that CoQ10 did not improve muscle pain in people taking statins.

For heart health
CoQ10 supplements can also act as a natural aid in lowering cholesterol and improving heart health. Although there isn't enough research to confirm how it works to make this effect, CoQ10 can be combined with a statin for better results.
Many studies look at the link between Coenzyme Q10 supplement use and heart health. A review published in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure suggested that heart failure patients taking Coenzyme Q10 supplements experienced fewer symptoms and complications than those taking a placebo. Another review, published in Atherosclerosis, found that CoQ10 may improve blood vessel health in people with or without heart disease. However, not all studies have shown positive results. While it was once thought that CoQ10 could improve blood pressure, a recent review published in the Cochrane Library found that CoQ10 did not lower blood pressure more than a placebo.
Coenzyme Q10 supplements have few reported side effects. The most common side effect is abdominal pain. Coenzyme Q10 can also lower blood sugar, so people with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar more closely while taking or should not use the supplement.
CoQ10 supplements may interact with certain medications, including beta-blockers, some antidepressants, and drugs used in chemotherapy for malignancy. Your doctor may need to change your statin dose if you also take a CoQ10 supplement. Make sure you consult your doctor before taking CoQ10.

Reference source: healthline.com