Important medical note: this article describes the biological relationship between statins and coenzyme Q10 as studied in scientific research. It is not medical advice. If you take statins and suffer from muscle complaints or other side effects, consult your prescribing physician before changing your medication or supplements. Never stop taking statins on your own and do not adjust the dosage without medical supervision.
Background: statins and how they work
Statins are among the most prescribed medications in the world. They lower LDL cholesterol and are used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people for whom this is medically necessary. Like all medications, statins can cause side effects in some people.
Some people who use statins report muscle complaints. This has been investigated in various clinical and observational studies, which have also looked at potential biological explanations, including the relationship between statin use and coenzyme Q10.
The mevalonate pathway and coenzyme Q10
Statins inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a role in the mevalonate pathway: a series of biochemical steps the liver uses to produce cholesterol. By inhibiting this pathway, the body produces less cholesterol.
Coenzyme Q10 (also known as ubiquinone) occurs naturally in almost every cell in the body. It is involved in energy production in the mitochondria, where cells create ATP from nutrients. The body produces coenzyme Q10 itself, and it is also found in foods such as meat, fish, and nuts. The body uses the same biochemical steps for the production of coenzyme Q10 as it does for the production of cholesterol.
Because the mevalonate pathway is involved in both, researchers have looked at whether statin use can affect the body's own production of coenzyme Q10. Various studies have compared coenzyme Q10 levels in statin users with those of non-users. The results vary per study and per type of statin.
Deichmann et al. (2010, Ochsner Journal) summarized the research on statins and coenzyme Q10. Further studies on this relationship have followed since.
What has been studied in statin users
Several randomized studies have investigated coenzyme Q10 supplementation in statin users with muscle complaints:
- Zlatohlavek et al. (2012) studied 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day for 30 days in statin users with muscle complaints.
- Banach et al. (2015, American Journal of Cardiology) compiled the research in a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- A meta-analysis in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2018) summarized the available evidence.
The overall picture is not conclusive: the studies differ in design, target group, dosage, and outcome measures. The relationship between statin use, coenzyme Q10, and muscle complaints is still very much a subject of research.
Coenzyme Q10 is not a substitute for statins and does not change the effect of your medication.
Choosing a coenzyme Q10 supplement
Coenzyme Q10 exists in two forms: ubiquinone (the oxidized form) and ubiquinol (the reduced form). Both occur naturally in the body. Coenzyme Q10 is a large, fat-soluble molecule and is relatively poorly absorbed from standard capsules. Liposomal coenzyme Q10 is encapsulated in a phospholipid structure, intended to protect the molecule during digestion.
The PPH formula
PPH Liposomal Coenzyme Q10 contains 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 (as ubiquinone) per capsule, in a dry liposomal form without preservatives.
- 100 mg coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) per capsule
- Liposomal delivery in a dry powder matrix
- Stable dry form without preservatives, 36-month shelf life
- Plant-based HPMC capsule, GMO-free
- Contains soy (soy lecithin): the only PPH product with soy. If you have a soy allergy, do not use this product.
Conclusion
The relationship between statins and coenzyme Q10 is a subject of ongoing scientific research, via the shared mevalonate pathway. Various studies have investigated coenzyme Q10 supplementation in statin users with muscle complaints.
If you take statins and are considering coenzyme Q10, please discuss this with your prescribing physician first. They can advise you based on your medication, dosage, and health situation.
View PPH Liposomal Coenzyme Q10.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Deichmann, R. et al. (2010). Coenzyme Q10 and Statin-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Ochsner Journal. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096178/
- Zlatohlavek, L. et al. (2012). The effect of coenzyme Q10 in statin myopathy. Neuroendocrinology Letters. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22592031/
- Banach, M. et al. (2015). The effects of Coenzyme Q10 on statin-induced myopathy. American Journal of Cardiology. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25817468/
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EU Register of authorised health claims. ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling-nutrition/nut
