Statins are among the most commonly prescribed medications in America, and for good reason: they are very effective at lowering LDL cholesterol. One of the most frequent questions pharmacists hear from people taking them is, "Should I be taking CoQ10?" Here are straight answers.
Do statins lower CoQ10?
Yes. Statins work by blocking an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, early in a pathway the liver uses to make cholesterol. That same pathway also produces CoQ10. When the pathway slows, cholesterol production drops, and so does the body's production of CoQ10. Studies consistently find lower blood levels of CoQ10 in people taking statins.
Why does CoQ10 matter?
CoQ10 is essential to energy production inside mitochondria, the power plants in your cells, and it acts as an antioxidant in cell membranes. Muscles, which use a great deal of energy, contain high amounts. Your body also makes less CoQ10 as you age.*
Does CoQ10 make my statin work better?
No, and it is important to be clear about this. CoQ10 does not increase the cholesterol-lowering effect of a statin. Your statin works the same with or without it. Anyone who tells you otherwise is overstating the evidence.
What about muscle aches?
Muscle aches are one of the most common complaints among people taking statins, and one of the most common reasons people stop taking them. Because statins lower CoQ10 and muscles depend on it, researchers have studied whether CoQ10 supplements help.
The results are mixed. Some analyses that pooled several studies found that CoQ10 was associated with less muscle discomfort. Others found no significant difference compared with placebo. Researchers continue to study the question.
What this means in practice: CoQ10 is not a proven fix, but many prescribers consider it a reasonable, low-risk option to discuss for patients who are interested. Only your prescriber can evaluate whether your symptoms are related to your statin.
Should I stop my statin if my muscles ache?
Never stop or change a statin on your own. Muscle aches have many possible causes, and your prescriber has several options, including adjusting the dose or trying a different statin. Tell your prescriber about any new muscle pain, especially if it is severe, and seek care promptly if you also notice weakness or dark urine.
Does CoQ10 interact with other medications?
It can. Talk to your pharmacist or prescriber before starting CoQ10 if you take:
• Warfarin or other blood thinners, since CoQ10 may reduce warfarin's effect
• Blood pressure medications, since CoQ10 may modestly lower blood pressure
• Diabetes medications, especially if your supplement also contains alpha-lipoic acid, which can lower blood sugar
How should I take CoQ10?
CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so take it with a meal that contains some fat. Blood levels build over several weeks of consistent use.
Questions to Bring to Your Next Appointment
• Could any muscle discomfort I have be related to my statin?
• Is a CoQ10 supplement reasonable for me?
• Could it interact with any of my other medications?
• How will we keep track of how I am feeling?
The Bottom Line
Statins lower the body's CoQ10, and CoQ10 matters for cellular energy. Supplementing does not make your statin more effective, and research on muscle comfort is mixed, but it is a reasonable conversation to have with your prescriber. Allcerta™ provides 100 mg of CoQ10 per capsule as part of a broader antioxidant formula. Talk with your prescriber first if you take a statin.
0 comments