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Link Discovered Between Statins and CoQ10 Deficiency

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A recent paper published in a European heart journal has reported that a decline in our body’s CoQ10 is linked with age and failing hearts. The study set out to discover whether this natural deterioration could be improved by taking CoQ10 orally as a supplement. They studied 20 men and 3 women with an average age of 59 who were diagnosed with stable congestive heart failure secondary to coronary artery disease. Those taking a CoQ10 supplement were found to have a four fold increase in their natural CoQ10 levels after just four weeks. Those taking the supplement along with exercise training five times a week found that the exercise further increased the benefits and no side effects were reported at all.

The real significance of these tests is that statin drugs have been found to inhibit the natural production of CoQ10. This crucial nutrient is essential for allowing our cells to function properly, engaging in the energy reactions that we need to stay alive, and is also an important anti-oxidant. Nearly 40 million people in the U.S. are prescribed Lipitor alone and a further 20 million take other statin drugs. Most patients are over 50 and at an age when their CoQ10 production has already declined, so they are already at risk of a CoQ10 deficiency. Taking statins, which have now been found to further reduce natural CoQ10 in the body, means that a supplement is particularly important to maintain the correct levels of this important nutrient which is found in all cellular membranes.

The reason statin drugs are so hard on the production of our CoQ10 is that statins alter the functions of the liver. Whilst statins dramatically lower cholesterol, people often end up with another problem which is not picked up through regular health screening. They have a chronic deficiency of CoQ10. Doctors often fail to tell patients that one of the most important things to do when taking statins is to take a CoQ10 supplement. CoQ10 or the more absorbable form, ubiquinol, is essential for maintaining a normal healthy metabolism, among other things. It is also beneficial in preventing oxidation of LDL cholesterol, preventing it sticking on the arterial walls, which can only be a good thing for those already concerned about high cholesterol levels.

How Much CoQ10 Should I Take?

It is very hard to find out exactly how much CoQ10 we should take per day. Our dietary intake is estimated at around 5mg per day in a “normal” diet and this has been agreed as too low. CoQ10 supplements come in various strengths from 30mg to 200mg and higher. Most reference sources recommend 100-120mg per day for a relatively healthy individual. Other sources recommend 100mg per 100 pounds of body weight, which makes logical sense.

As CoQ10 has been shown to be effective in supporting a healthy heart, lowering blood pressure and benefiting those with angina, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, the important thing is that it is taken, in whatever dose you find acceptable. For those taking statin drugs it has now been found to be even more essential.