Statins and CoQ10: Easing the Muscle Aches
Written by Vic Allen · Owner
Statins lower cholesterol but can drain your body's Coenzyme Q10, causing muscle soreness. What the research says about supplementing, and how to pick a quality CoQ10.
Statins are the most prescribed medications in the U.S. One in four Americans, 45 years or older, is currently taking a statin to lower cholesterol, preventing cardiovascular disease and stroke. Common statins include atorvastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin.
These drugs improve cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and inflammation in the blood vessels. If cholesterol is too high, blood vessels can clog, and lead to heart events and stroke. Statins lower the “bad” cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase in the liver.
Unfortunately, statins also block the body's ability to produce Coenzyme Q10, an important component in energy production in muscle cells. This can promote muscle weakness and pain.
Current research is mixed on the benefits of supplementing CoQ10 while taking a statin. However, the consensus is that CoQ10 supplementation may help minimize muscle soreness while on a statin. Ask one of our pharmacists to recommend a quality Coenzyme Q10 product.