5 Surprising Side Effects of Statins, and What to Do About Them

The Trouble with Statins and CoQ10 Levels

If you suffer from high cholesterol or are at risk for heart issues, it definitely pays to be aware of the interactions between statins and CoQ10 levels. Before you make any rushed decisions, take a look at some of the things you can do to keep yourself healthy.

Here’s the unfortunate truth: statins may lead to low CoQ10 levels, which can be dangerous and affect your energy levels. 

What Are Statins and What Is Coq10? 

Statins

Statins are medications that have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. (1) Statins are often prescribed to keep cholesterol levels under control and can reduce the risk for heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. 

About 38% of Americans have high cholesterol, with blood levels ≥ 200 mg/dL, so statins are a common therapeutic option. (2) 

As with other medications, statins may come with some side effects (such as muscle pain or tingling, and more), which we will discuss in more detail below. (2) 

CoQ10 

CoQ10 is also called ubiquinone, and it is a powerful antioxidant. It helps with many functions in your body, including: 

• Energy production

• Cell growth

• Inflammation prevention

• Glucose and fat metabolism support

• Nutrient metabolism (3)

5 Things to Know About Statins and CoQ10 Interactions

As we saw above, CoQ10 plays a crucial role in your body’s health. But how do statins affect your levels of CoQ10?

1. Statins and Muscle Pain

Muscle pain and tingling are unfortunately common side effects of statin drugs. Studies have found this could be due to a reduction in CoQ10 levels. (4)

Most people who experience muscle pain from statins do not experience severe symptoms that bring life to a halt. However, in a small number of individuals, low CoQ10 levels can lead to the breakdown of muscle cells, causing muscles to collapse and protein to be released into your blood. This is a serious condition and can result in severe kidney problems.

If you are experiencing muscle pain, cramping, and discomfort while on statins, taking a quality CoQ10 supplement can decrease muscle breakdown. (5)

2. Statins and Fatigue

Along with muscle pain, another common side effect of statin drugs is fatigue. (4)

Taking a CoQ10 supplement could help increase your CoQ10 levels and, in turn, make you feel better. Taking Mi CoQ10 is a good idea if you want an effective supplement that your cells will absorb. 

3. Statins, CoQ10, and Heart Health 

It is not like statins and CoQ10 have to be enemies. If you need your statin long-term, you may want to try a CoQ10 supplement to improve your heart health. 

Studies have shown that CoQ10 promotes mitochondrial function in the heart muscle, which is helpful for patients that are at risk of heart attacks and other heart problems. (4)  

4. CoQ10 and Diabetes 

While studies are not entirely definitive on whether CoQ10 can help glucose management and improve insulin sensitivity, there is some evidence that it can help keep diabetes under control. (6)

For the most part, CoQ10 can help reduce blood pressure, which is another comorbidity of suffering from diabetes and one that often leads to other health issues. (6)

In some cases, CoQ10 can cause low blood sugar, so if you happen to supplement CoQ10 and have diabetes, it is best to check your blood sugar constantly.

5. Statins and Liver Problems

Not all patients will experience liver inflammation while taking statins, but some will. This is why, generally, individuals on statins will need to have their liver enzymes checked regularly. (7)

Thankfully, CoQ10 comes to the rescue again! As mentioned above, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that can help mitigate oxidative stress. When statins result in low levels of CoQ10, the body can have a hard time protecting your liver. In some cases, this can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or other liver issues. (8)

Are There Side Effects of Taking a Coq10 While on Statins? 

For the most part, there are no serious side effects for individuals taking CoQ10 supplements. However, there are a few potential issues to watch for:

Stomach upset: In some cases, individuals can have some stomach upset when taking too much CoQ10 too quickly. This can be solved by finding a quality CoQ10 supplement, such as Mi CoQ10 and taking it as directed.

Blood thinners: You should be aware that CoQ10 could interfere with blood thinners, such as Warfarin, which is dangerous for individuals that have clotting disorders. (8) Before beginning new supplements such as CoQ10, always consult with your doctor.

Blood sugar: As mentioned earlier, CoQ10 can lead to lower blood sugar, which may be dangerous if you have diabetes and use insulin. Be sure to check your sugar levels often and adjust any insulin under the guidance of your physician.

Blood pressure: Since CoQ10 may also help reduce blood pressure levels, you may want to measure your blood pressure often and adjust your medications if you need to (under the guidance of your doctor).

Start Your CoQ10 and Avoid Any Problems with Your Statin Therapy 

Before you begin any supplement, talk to your doctor and dietitian about whether it is the right choice. Be sure to choose a supplement that is well absorbed and more efficient, such as Mi CoQ10. 

Avoid feeling pain, fatigue, and have better control over your cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels, and liver disease.

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Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is trained in functional health coaching and has worked with thousands of women over her career since 2004. She is the founder of Women’s Wellness Collaborative llc and HormoneDetoxShop.com.

Check out her easy 5-Day DIY Detox Guide here!

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