Diet gun

Statins

Statins are drugs used in hyperlipidemia to reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Statins block the action of a liver chemical that is necessary for the production of cholesterol, resulting in reduced blood cholesterol levels reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke and thrombosis.

Taking statins has side effects such as muscle pain, muscle fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, stiffness resulting, due to chronic fatigue, a lack of interest in exercise and physical activities.

Muscle pain associated with statins may also be alleviated by changing the dose or switching to a different type of statin (rosuvastatin and atorvastatin are the strongest, while pravastatin and fluvastatin are the least strong).

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant found in every cell of the body. It helps produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main source of energy for cells, and protects cells from oxidative damage.

CoQ10 levels decrease with age and are reduced by statins.

Coenzyme Q10 is found in red meat (mostly in beef), fatty fish (sardines, mackerel), poultry, soy, nuts, and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and cabbage, and in fruits (mostly in oranges and strawberries).

Common mechanism of cholesterol and coenzyme Q10 production

Statins lower cholesterol by inhibiting the action of the enzyme HMG-CoA, which is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol. The same enzyme is also involved in the production of CoQ10, so inhibiting its action also reduces CoQ10.

With the intake of statins, it is not certain that the daily diet can meet the body’s needs for coenzyme Q10. The best option is to take coenzyme Q10 as a dietary supplement.

CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to significantly improve myopathy associated with the intake of statins.

Coenzyme Q10 supplements are found under the names “ubiquinone” or “ubiquinol.” Ubiquinol tends to be better absorbed than ubiquinone, and the ideal dosage is usually 200 mg once daily.