Is there a connection between coenzyme Q10 and statins? Studies say yes, and indicate that the the CoQ10-statin interaction could put millions of people at risk.
Drugs classified as statins are generally prescribed to prevent or treat atherosclerosis, a buildup of cholesterol-based plaque in the arteries which is known to increase risk of heart attack and stroke. They work in the liver by inhibiting the release of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme that is responsible for producing cholesterol.
Because of their effectiveness as reducing blood cholesterol levels, statin drugs such as Crestor, Zocol, Lipitor, Pravachol, and Levacor are among the most frequently prescribed medications; in fact, more than 60 million people in the US alone are taking statin drugs. But new studies show that the action of these medications interferes with the normal production of coenzyme Q10, which is essential to heart health and normal cardiac function.
Coenzyme Q10 Sufficiency Essential To Healthy Heart Function
Coenzyme Q10, also referred to as CoQ10 or Ubiquinone, is a naturally-occurring substance that plays a crucial role in the production of energy at the cellular level. It is found in every cell in the human body, but is most concentrated in the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs that have the highest energy requirements.
It is also a powerful antioxidant capable of preventing, repairing, and in some cases even reversing the negative effects of free radicals, chemically imbalanced molecules that scavenge and damage the cells with which they interact. Free radical damage has been implicated in a host of illnesses, and is known to play an important role in the development of chronic age-related conditions including cardiac dysfunction.
Deficiency of CoQ10 is recognized as a risk factor for heart disease, and clinical studies have shown that supplementation prior to heart surgery can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and arrythmias and reduce recovery time. In addition, supplemental CoQ10 taken by patients who have had a heart attack has proven effective at preventing subsequent heart attacks.
Statin drugs’ potential interference with the production of CoQ10 poses the greatest risk for people over 50, who may already be deficient in the coenzyme. The body’s production of the substance peaks at around 20 years of age and then declines gradually until about the age of 40, when natural production drops off sharply.
Research Suggests Supplementation Can Be Beneficial
Ongoing research suggests that CoQ10 supplements could be beneficial for people taking statin drugs. Studies reported in the Journal Of The American College of Cardiology confirm that statin treatment reduces circulating levels of coenzyme Q10 and notes that there is both anecdotal and preliminary trial evidence that CoQ10 supplementation could be an effective solution for patients who develop statin myalgia.
No standard RDA for the coenzyme has been set, but a supplement of 30 to 90 mgs per day is generally considered to be a typical dosage. It is important to check with your physician before adding supplements of any kind.