Can Now Foods Coq10 Help with Statin Medications?

Book CoverStatin medications are used to help lower cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels. Unfortunately the enzyme that is broken down with statins is the same enzyme which creates Co-Q10 within our bodies.  Recently, the question has been asked, can Co-Q10 help prevent the harmful side effects caused by this medication?

Co-Q10 is made within our bodies. We have a lot of it as babies, but as we get older our bodies produce less and less of it. Thankfully we are able to get some Co-Q10 from our food, however it is much easier to obtain using supplements. Co-Q10 supplements are available in different forms including gelcaps and powders.

Some researchers think that C0-Q10 can help reduce muscle damage. Others say that joint and muscle aches that are caused by statins can be reduced as well.  At this point in time, there are not any large studies that have been able to confirm this theory.

On the other hand, there are some researchers who say that Co-Q10 is a must if you take statin drugs for high cholesterol . Statin drugs lower the level of Co-Q10 within the system. They say that Co-Q10 is appropriate for those that have been suffering from a type of cardiovascular disease, cardiomyopathy, mitochondrial dysfunction, and heart attack. These researchers recommend a daily dosage of 100 to 200 mg. However those with mitochondrial dysfunction or heart failure may need more.

Co-Q10 does not normally cause side effects for people. If there are any side effects, they are “minimal and usually short lived”. They can include loss of appetite, diarrhea, and nausea.  It is recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine if C0-Q10 is a good choice for you.

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