Find out if coQ10 counteracts muscle pain due to statins and more.
Statinsare a class of medicines commonly prescribed to lowercholesteroland help preventheart attacksandstrokes.
While they have lots ofbenefits, statins are also associated withmuscular side effects, ranging frommuscle paintobreakdown.
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Statins deplete your muscles' coenzyme Q10 (coQ10), which may lead to muscle damage.
Some people who take statins also supplement with coQ10 to minimize muscular side effects.
In general, statin medicines can lower LDL cholesterol levels by 20%-50%.
They also reducetriglycerides(fats) by 10%-20%.This carries over into benefits for the heart.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is an important energy source for every cell in the body.It hasantioxidantandanti-inflammatoryproperties.
Many disease states are associated with low levels of coQ10.
CoQ10 is made in the body by the same pathway blocked by statins.
CoQ10 levels can be depleted in people who take these medicines.
It’s theorized that lower levels of coQ10 are responsible for the muscular side effects of statin medications.
It also didn’t significantly increasecreatine kinaseactivity, which may be a marker for muscle pain.
Nutrition
CoQ10 is made in the body.
It can also be obtained through some foods or in supplement form.
These side effects may be common or severe.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Summary
CoQ10 is found in every cell of your body and is an important energy source.
Statins, a class of cholesterol-lowering medications, can lower the amount of coQ10 in your body.
Some people who take statins also supplement with coQ10 to minimize the side effects of statins on the muscles.
These side effects can include muscle weakness, cramps, and even dissolution.
Research shows mixed benefits from coQ10 regarding muscle pain or symptoms.
They can help you lower your dose or change to a more appropriate medication if warranted.
While it may not hurt, more robust research is needed to prove there’s any benefit.
Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are a frequently prescribed class of cholesterol-lowering medications.
It acts as an antioxidant and provides energy to cells in the body.
Always discuss with your healthcare provider prior to making any changes to your medication regimen.
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