Coenzyme Q10 decreases muscle pain in patients on statins

Coenzyme Q10 for patients with muscle pain from statin medication?

For patients who taking statin medication to reduce their cholesterol levels, muscle pain can be a problematic side effect.  A recent study suggests that supplementing with coenzyme Q10 may reduce muscle pain associated with statin medication use.

"Treatment of hypercholesterolemia with statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) is effective in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, statin use is often associated with a variety of muscle-related symptoms or myopathies. Myopathy may be related in part to statin inhibition of the endogenous synthesis of coenzyme Q10, an essential cofactor for mitochondrial energy production. "

"In conclusion, results suggest that coenzyme Q10 supplementation may decrease muscle pain associated with statin treatment. Thus, coenzyme Q10 supplementation may offer an alternative to stopping treatment with these vital drugs."

Reference:


Caso G, Kelly P, McNurlan MA, Lawson WE. Effect of coenzyme q10 on myopathic symptoms in patients treated with statins. Am J Cardiol.  2007 May 15;99(10):1409-12. Epub 2007 Apr 3.