Body cells need energy and the energy is made by mitochondria. CoQ10 is a vitamin like substance that helps them do the job. Doctors are increasingly suggesting CoQ10 for patients taking statins. There seems to be mounting evidence that some of the side effects experienced with statins, like muscle cramps are alleviated by taking CoQ10.
CoQ10 or Coenzyme Q10 is a substance that the human body can produce naturally. CoQ10 is used by the cells to generate energy and also functions as a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which are believed to contribute to health problems by damaging cells and DNA. Although CoQ10 has been touted as a potential treatment for many conditions, Mayo Clinic reports that more research is needed. Some studies show that CoQ10 could potentially help with high blood pressure, age-related macular degeneration, and even chronic fatigue syndrome.
CoQ10 Deficiencies
Your body produces less and less CoQ10 as you get older. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, deficiencies can appear in people with certain metabolic disorders. Although your body produces its own CoQ10, it can also be obtained from food. The best sources of CoQ10 are oily fish and organ meats, such as beef liver. Coenzyme Q10 can also be found in whole grains.
People with certain conditions, including diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and heart problems tend to have low levels of CoQ10 in their bodies. Researchers don’t know if the disease causes the deficiency or if the deficiency appears first, causing cells to age faster and making disease more likely.
CoQ10 and the Heart
Many studies review the connection between CoQ10 use and heart health. A systematic review published in Biofactors showed that patients with heart failure taking CoQ10 experienced fewer symptoms than those taking a placebo. Coenzyme Q10 also seems to help lower high blood pressure, according to the review. The review acknowledges that more studies with a larger number of patients are needed to confirm these findings.
What Are Statins?
Statins are a class of prescription drugs designed to lower high cholesterol. Although statins are very effective, they are not suggested for everybody. According to Mayo Clinic, people taking statins can experience side effects such as muscle pain, nausea and diarrhea, liver and kidney damage, and even increased blood sugar or type 2 diabetes.
Doctors usually prescribe statins for individuals with both high cholesterol and a high risk factor for heart disease. For example, people with a family history of heart problems and people who are obese, drink heavily, or have diabetes might be a good candidate for statins.
Where Statins and CoQ10 Meet
Although muscle pain and discomfort is common when taking statins, some people experience more serious problems, including something known as rhabdomyolysis. This process occurs when muscle cells break down. As muscles collapse, a muscle protein is released into the bloodstream. This in turn can cause severe kidney problems. In a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology, researchers indicate that coenzyme Q10 seems to decrease muscle breakdown and reduce pain and discomfort on people taking statins.
What Happens When You Take Statins
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), statins lower your body’s levels of coenzyme Q10. As your levels go down, the side effects of statins increase. Taking CoQ10 supplements might help increase the levels on the body and reduce problems. The UMMC also indicates that CoQ10 may function as a natural treatment to help reduce cholesterol. While there aren’t enough studies to confirm how well it works, it may be possible to combine CoQ10 with statins for better results without the side effects.
Keep in Mind
Because CoQ10 is considered a nutritional supplement and not a medication, it’s not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. That means anybody can buy the supplement over the counter, at a local pharmacy, or at a health food store. Coenzyme Q10 has few side effects.
The most common is stomach upset, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. CoQ10 can lower blood sugar, so diabetics need to be careful or avoid it. CoQ10 can interact with some medications, including beta-blockers, some antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs.
You might need to change the amount of statins you take if you’re also taking CoQ10. Make sure you consult your doctor before beginning CoQ10. Part 8 of 8: The Last Word The Last Word Although CoQ10 seems to show much promise, there aren’t enough studies to confirm its effectiveness.
If you are taking statins and are suffering unpleasant side effects, discuss the use of CoQ10 with your doctor. It might be a good option for you, especially if you are in good health.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, coenzyme Q10 could also help treat heart failure and be an effective supplement to take before heart surgery. Your doctor can help decide if the choice is right for you.
