Depletes CoQ10. This medication is commonly used for High Cholesterol
While studies demonstrate statins effectively lower LDL-C and apoB, research suggests they may also reduce CoQ10 levels. This vital antioxidant plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function, and deficiency can impact brain, muscle, kidney, and heart health. CoQ10 supplementation could be a helpful way to mitigate a potential deficiency when taking a statin therapy.
Folkers K, Langsjoen P, Willis R, et al. Lovastatin decreases coenzyme Q levels in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1990;87:8931–4. Ghirlanda G, Oradei A, Manto A, et al. Evidence of plasma CoQ10-lowering effect by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Pharmacol 1993;33:226–9. Bargossi AM, Grossi G, Fiorella PL, et al. Exogenous CoQ10 supplementation prevents plasma ubiquinone reduction induced by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Molec Aspects Med 1994;15(suppl):s187–93.
Ubiquinol/Ubiquinone — 50mg of each
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.
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.