Are You Taking Cholesterol Lowering Statin Drugs?

Posted by Dylan Owen on June 14th, 2016

Around 15 million Americans are taking statins, a class of prescription drugs made to lower cholesterol. Individuals who are taking statins may experience side effects such as nausea, muscle pain, diarrhea, liver and kidney damage, etc.

In a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology, researchers say that coenzyme Q10 appears to reduce pain and discomfort in people who are taking statins. Also, coenzyme Q10 seems to help lower high blood pressure.    

Though our body naturally produces coenzyme Q10, individuals on statins experience the depletion of CoQ10. According to the University Of Maryland Center (UMMC), statins lower the levels of coenzyme Q10. As mentioned earlier in this article, coenzyme Q10 keeps the side effects of statins in check. But statins lower the levels of coenzyme, which then increase the side effects of statins. In such scenarios, CoQ10 supplements help in restoring the levels of statins and reducing problems caused by statins. So, statins combined with coenzyme Q10 offer better results with fewer side effects.

Coenzyme Q10 is considered a natural supplement, not a medication. So anyone can purchase the coenzyme Q10 supplements over the counter at a local pharmacy or health food store. However, you should always buy a top-quality CoQ10 supplement. Most commercially available CoQ10 supplements use Ubiquinone, the fully oxidized form of Coenzyme Q10. But Ubiquinone does not have a good absorption rate, which is why you should buy a CoQ10 supplement that contains Ubiquinol, rather than Ubiquinone. Research (in animals and humans) has shown that Ubiquinol has a better absorption rate than Ubiquinone, and 90% of the CoQ10 circulating in our body is present as Ubiquinol. In order to obtain the best results, it is recommended you purchase a CoQ10 supplement that contains Ubiquinol as the active antioxidant.

One might think, “Why don’t pharmaceutical companies fight over the patent if coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is that helpful?” and the answer is: because it is a supplement, pharmaceutical companies have not created much buzz around CoQ10. However, there is a growing awareness in the medical fraternity and in individuals for this wonder supplement.

If you are taking a statin, you should be aware that it is hindering your body’s production of CoQ10. If you do not want to end up with muscle aches and weakness while taking a statin, you should start taking a good coenzyme Q10 supplement.      

So, what are you waiting for? Buy coenzyme supplement and feel the difference!