Statins are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol to combat hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis). However, many people get side effects, which include fatigue, muscle weakness and/or muscle pain, nerve problems such as numbness and tingling, and for some liver damage and incresed risk of diabetes and cancer. A Canadian study (reported in 2002) found that 75% of those prescribed statins (85,000 people in the study) had come off them within two years due to side effects.
Co-enzyme Q10 is a naturally occuring substance found in all body cells and also in some foods. Best dietary sources of Q10 are heart, liver and kidney but it is also found in meat, nuts, soya and rapeseed, and in smaller quantities in eggs and dairy foods. It plays a key role in helping cells to produce energy. Peak Q10 production occurs in our mid-20s. As we get older we rely more on dietary sources.
Statins block the production of an important compound called mevalonate, which the body needs to manufacture both cholesterol and Q10. If you lower cholesterol with statins by 40%, you lower Q10 levels by 40% too. As Q10 plays such a key role in energy production, taking statins can result in fatigue and muscle weakness.
So if you are prescibed statins, it may be worth taking Q10 as a supplement. The dose of Q10 can be 200mg per day with a low dose statin or up to 400mg per day for a hgih dose statin. All Q10 supplements are best taken with a meal.
Feature in Healthspan, Issue Summer 2014
