Can Now Foods Coq10 Help with Statin Medications?
Statin 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 coq10 within our bodies.1 Recently the question has been asked, can coq10 help prevent the harmful side effects caused by this medication?
Coq10 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 coq10 from our food, however it is much easier to obtain using supplements. Coq10 supplements are available in different forms included gelcaps and powders.
Some researchers think that coq10 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 that say if you take statin drugs for high cholesterol that coq10 is a must. Statin drugs lower the level of coq10 within the system. They say that coq10 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.2 Two examples of these may be Now Foods CoQ10 and Jarrow CoQ10.
Coq10 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.3 It is recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine if coq10 is a good choice for you.
1. Taking a Look at the Unexpected Benefits of CoQ10
2. Supplements for Exercise: Five That Can Help You Get-Up-and-Go, Gale Maleskey, MS, RD
