CoQ10 and Statins: The Missing Link in Heart Health
For millions of people taking lipid-lowering drugs known as Statins, the goal is simple: protect the heart. However, there is a biological catch. The same mechanism by which statins block cholesterol production also blocks the production of another vital nutrient: Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10).
At Better Health Beat, we explore the science of nutrient depletion to help you stay energised while managing your heart health.
What is CoQ10?
Co-Enzyme Q10 is often called the "spark plug" of the cell. It is found in the mitochondria—the power plants within your cells—where it plays a critical role in generating ATP (energy). Since the heart beats 100,000 times a day, it is one of the most energy-hungry organs in the body and requires high concentrations of CoQ10 to function efficiently.
The Statin Effect
Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is the gateway to the cholesterol pathway. Unfortunately, this same pathway branches off to produce CoQ10.
The result? Lower cholesterol, but often depleted CoQ10 levels. This depletion is widely believed by researchers to be a key factor in Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms (SAMS), which can range from mild fatigue and muscle aches to weakness, famously affecting nearly 10-15% of statin users.
Restoring the Balance
You don't necessarily have to choose between your medication and your muscle comfort. Many cardiologists and integrative practitioners now recommend supplementing with CoQ10 alongside statin therapy to counteract this depletion.
What Form Should I Take?
As we age, our ability to convert CoQ10 into its active form, Ubiquinol, diminishes. For anyone over 40, or those on statins, Ubiquinol is often the preferred choice as it is "body-ready" and more easily absorbed than standard Ubiquinone.
Editorial Summary
The dilemma: Statins lower cholesterol but can accidentally lower your cellular energy (CoQ10).
The symptom: Low CoQ10 is linked to the muscle pain and fatigue often reported by statin users.
The solution: Taking a high-quality Ubiquinol supplement can help replenish these levels, supporting energetic heart function without interfering with your medication.