Statins decreases CoQ10 levels in blood.

[Guest guest]

Statins were known to cause depletion of CoQ-10 when

they were developed and patented. That is why the drug

companies patented them both with a supplement of

CoQ-10 included and without CoQ-10, but they only

marketed them without it although they were aware that

they would cause harm. Check the patents yourself if

you have doubts. F.

 

 

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/include/newsletter/emailRU_073004/RUa1_073004.htm\

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Atorvastatin decreases CoQ10 levels in blood

 

CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) is an essential element in the

production of energy in our cells. Without adequate

levels of CoQ10, our cells would basically not

function. One of the most important functions of CoQ10

is promoting cardiovascular health.

 

Researchers recently took a look at the

cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin to see if it

had any effect on lowering CoQ10 levels in the body.

They said, “Statins are widely used for the treatment

of hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease and

for the prevention of stroke. There have been various

adverse effects, most commonly affecting muscle and

ranging from myalgia to rhabdomyolysis (breaking down

of muscle fibers). These adverse effects may be due to

a coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency because inhibition

of cholesterol biosynthesis also inhibits the

synthesis of CoQ10.”

 

Scientists decided to measure CoQ10 levels in blood

from hypercholesterolemic subjects before and after

they took atorvastatin. Thirty-four individuals over

the age of 45, with elevated LDL cholesterol were

studied. Blood levels of CoQ10 were checked. Next, all

34 individuals were treated with 80 mg of atorvastatin

daily, with CoQ10 level checks at 14 days and 30 days.

 

Fourteen days after starting atorvastatin treatment,

32 of the subjects had a 49% decrease in CoQ10 levels.

By 30 days, the CoQ10 levels had dropped even further,

leading researchers to conclude, “Even brief exposure

to atorvastatin causes a marked decrease in blood

CoQ10 concentration.”

 

(I certainly don’t advocate dropping cholesterol

medication. I would urge people to ask their doctors

about the ramifications of atorvastatin, especially in

light of the new push to lower cholesterol levels even

further, and I would urge them to take a good CoQ10

supplement to help replenish healthy levels of this

important coenzyme.) —Lee Swanson

 

Archives of Neurology 61:889-892, 2004