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Metformin

Metformin & CoQ10

Depletes CoQ10. This medication is commonly used for Diabetes

Why Metformin affects CoQ10

Biguanide (anti-diabetic) drugs have been found in scientific evidence to decrease serum levels of coenzyme Q10. Type 2 diabetes can increase oxidative stress in the body, weakening its defenses and potentially harming cells. CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant, plays a crucial role in protecting cells from this damage. CoQ10 supplementation may help restore these levels, potentially improving mitochondrial function and protecting the kidneys from damage.

Clinical Evidence

Sourris KC, Harcourt BE, Tang PH, Morley AL, Huynh K, Penfold SA, Coughlan MT, Cooper ME, Nguyen TV, Ritchie RH, Forbes JM. Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) prevents renal mitochondrial dysfunction in an experimental model of type 2 diabetes. Free Radic Biol Med. 2012 Feb 1;52(3):716-723.Miyake Y, Shouzu A, Nishikawa M, et al. Effect of treatment with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors on serum coenzyme Q10 in diabetic patients. Arzneimittelforschung. 1999;49(4):324-329. Kishi T, et al. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine. XI. Studies on CoQ and diabetes mellitus. J Med 1976;7: 307-321.

Recommended Replacement

Ubiquinol/Ubiquinone50mg of each

Related Health Impacts

  • Statin-Related Muscle Pain & Fatigue

    Lower CoQ10 impairs mitochondrial ATP production in skeletal muscle, which can manifest as fatigue, myalgias and weakness, particularly in patients taking statins that further reduce endogenous CoQ10 levels.

  • Low Mitochondrial Energy & Antioxidant Defense

    CoQ10 is a key electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and an important lipid-soluble antioxidant; depletion reduces cellular energy output and increases susceptibility of membranes and LDL particles to oxidative damage.

Other Nutrients Affected by Metformin

Next Steps
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