Co Enzyme Q10 Benefits, Side Effects And Their Impact On Statins
If you are a user of statins then you should also be aware of the benefits and necessity of using good quality CoQ10 supplements alongside. Statins are commonly prescribed for cholesterol control but users do not always know of one of the main side effects of using them – depletion of CoQ10 levels within your body. Co Q10 benefits include energy production (for which it is essential) and longevity, whilst also being key to core functions of health maintenance.
WHAT ARE STATINS?
It is estimated that up to 7 million people use statins every day in the UK in order to help maintain healthy cholesterol balance. Statins lower bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL) by blocking the chemical in the liver that produces cholesterol. Although Cholesterol is essential for normal cell and body function, if levels get too high can it can lead to fatty deposits building up in arteries and restricting blood flow. In lowering blood cholesterol, statins reduce the risk of strokes and cardiovascular health problems such as heart attacks or angina.
STATINS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON Co Q10
Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme which produces the bad cholesterol in your body. Unfortunately this same enzyme is also responsible for producing CoQ10, hence one of the unwanted side effects of using statins is the reduction of Co Q10 levels in the body.
Present in the muscles, CoQ10 is also found in the heart, the liver, the brain and the kidneys. When your CoQ10 levels are low your muscles may feel weak and uncomfortable, your mind may feel cloudy, and your heart has to work harder. Meanwhile the liver and kidneys find it harder to cleanse your body and remove impurities. All of this can have an effect on overall systemic health and lead to other health problems.
You could be especially vulnerable to statin-induced CoQ10 deficiency if you have diabetes, are more than 50 years of age or are at risk of heart failure or cardiomyopathy.
Fortunately these unwanted side effects produced by statins can be offset by topping up your body using quality CoQ10 Supplements. A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology in 2004 produced evidence of early heart muscle weakness in 70% of patients using statins over a six month period. This early heart muscle weakness reverted back to normal after supplementing CoQ10 100mg three times each day.
Co Q10 SUPPLEMENTS AND DOSAGES
Although the need for CoQ10 supplementation is highest for those on statins, it is not just this group of people who can benefit from Co Enzyme supplements. Once you pass the age of 20 years old the levels of Co Q10 in your body begin to go down, meaning most people can benefit from a health maintenance dose. As a general rule CoQ10 recommended dosages are:
CoQ10 30mg – 60mg daily – health maintenance for those over 20 years old.
CoQ10 100mg daily – for anyone with cardiovascular/circulation health issues, those on low dose statins and anyone looking for improved exercise performance.
CoQ10 300mg daily – for anyone with high blood pressure or on high dose statins.
CoQ10 supplements are fat soluble so are more easily absorbed by the body when taken with foods that contain oil or fat.
PLEASE NOTE – the daily dosages we have provided in this article are for general guidance only and should not be used to self-prescribe. If you are on medication or under medical supervision you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any supplements.
CONCLUSION
If you use statins then it is certain that you would benefit from some sort of CoQ10 supplementation. Not only does the CoQ10 improve the efficiency of the statins you are using, it also helps maintain healthy Coenzyme Q10 levels in the body. In the short term supplementation can help you maintain energy levels and clarity of mind, whilst in the long term it will help maintain overall systemic health.
