Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsStatinsUses of CoQ10NutritionSpecial ConsiderationsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Statins
Uses of CoQ10
Nutrition
Special Considerations
Frequently Asked Questions
Statinsare a class of medicines commonly prescribed to lowercholesteroland help preventheart attacksandstrokes.
While they have lots ofbenefits, statins are also associated withmuscular side effects, ranging frommuscle paintobreakdown.
Statins deplete your muscles' coenzyme Q10 (coQ10), which may lead to muscle damage. Some people who take statins also supplement with coQ10 to minimize muscular side effects.
Here’s what you need to know about coQ10 supplementation for people on statin therapy, including possible benefits and precautions.
Mature female opening a vitamin bottle.Courtney Hale / Getty Images
Courtney Hale / Getty Images
Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are first-line medicines used to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (“bad” orLDL cholesterol).
About 25% of Americans over 39 take a statin medication.This class of drugs includes commonly-prescribed medications like:
The most importantside effectsof statins have to do with the muscles. These side effects can include:
Research shows that 10% to 25% of people who take statins report muscular side effects, which may lead todiscontinuing treatment.It is important to notify your healthcare provider of any adverse effects and decide how adverse effects should be addressed.
Other side effects of statin therapy include:
CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is an important energy source for every cell in the body.It hasantioxidantandanti-inflammatoryproperties.
Many disease states are associated with low levels of coQ10. Some of these include:
CoQ10 is one of the most commonly useddietary supplementsin the U.S.It’s been studied for conditions such as:
Keep in mind that so far, there’s not enough evidence to routinely recommend coQ10 for all of these uses.
But overall, the data is mixed and doesn’t fully support taking coQ10 to counter all statin side effects.
A small study compared the effects of 400 milligrams (mg) of coQ10 daily to a placebo (sugar pill) in 37 adults who also took simvastatin.Researchers concluded that eight weeks of coQ10 supplementation had no significant effect on levels of coQ10 in the muscles. CoQ10 supplements did not improve symptoms of muscle pain, even in those who did see an increase in coQ10 levels in the muscles.
However, another clinical trial showed a coenzyme Q10 supplementation (50 mg twice daily) reduced statin-related muscle symptoms.
Researchers completed an analysis of eight clinical trials that examined coQ10’s role in people taking statins.The effects of coQ10 supplementation were mixed or didn’t support use in muscle pain any more than a placebo. It also didn’t significantly increasecreatine kinaseactivity, which may be a marker for muscle pain.
CoQ10 is made in the body. It can also be obtained through some foods or in supplement form.
In general, the body needs about 500 milligrams (mg) of coQ10 daily, but only about 5 mg of this comes from food sources. Standard doses of coQ10 supplements are 300 mg.
Foods rich in coQ10 include the following:
Precautions
Discuss the use of coQ10 with your healthcare provider prior to using it if you are in one of these categories to optimize safety:
Side Effects
As with all supplements, coQ10 may cause side effects. These side effects may be common or severe.
Mild side effects of coQ10 include:
Interactions
CoQ10 may interact with the following prescription medications:
Carefully reading a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included is essential. Please review the supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Summary
CoQ10 is found in every cell of your body and is an important energy source.
Statins, a class of cholesterol-lowering medications, can lower the amount of coQ10 in your body.
Some people who take statins also supplement with coQ10 to minimize the side effects of statins on the muscles. These side effects can include muscle weakness, cramps, and even dissolution.
The bottom line, though, is that while anecdotal reports abound, there’s minimal scientific basis for adding coQ10 to statin therapy. Research shows mixed benefits from coQ10 regarding muscle pain or symptoms.
If you are taking a statin medication, discuss any side effects you may have with your healthcare provider before stopping your medicine. They can help you lower your dose or change to a more appropriate medication if warranted.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThough this is sometimes recommended, there’s not enough evidence to recommend taking coQ10 with a statin. While it may not hurt, more robust research is needed to prove there’s any benefit.Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are a frequently prescribed class of cholesterol-lowering medications.CoQ10 is a coenzyme that is made in the body and can also be obtained through foods and dietary supplements. It acts as an antioxidant and provides energy to cells in the body.Always discuss with your healthcare provider prior to making any changes to your medication regimen.Some options your provider may recommend to help with muscle pain while on a statin include:Lowering the dose of your medicineChanging to a different statin—Lescol (fluvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) are less likely to cause muscle damageChanging to a different class of drug, such as Zetia (ezetimibe)
Though this is sometimes recommended, there’s not enough evidence to recommend taking coQ10 with a statin. While it may not hurt, more robust research is needed to prove there’s any benefit.
Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are a frequently prescribed class of cholesterol-lowering medications.
CoQ10 is a coenzyme that is made in the body and can also be obtained through foods and dietary supplements. It acts as an antioxidant and provides energy to cells in the body.
Always discuss with your healthcare provider prior to making any changes to your medication regimen.Some options your provider may recommend to help with muscle pain while on a statin include:Lowering the dose of your medicineChanging to a different statin—Lescol (fluvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) are less likely to cause muscle damageChanging to a different class of drug, such as Zetia (ezetimibe)
Always discuss with your healthcare provider prior to making any changes to your medication regimen.
Some options your provider may recommend to help with muscle pain while on a statin include:
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Pinal-Fernandez I, Casal-Dominguez M, Mammen AL.Statins: pros and cons.Med Clin (Barc). 2018;150(10):398-402. doi:10.1016/j.medcli.2017.11.030Dohlmann TL, Kuhlman AB, Morville T, et al.Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in statin treated patients: a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial.Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(9):1698. doi:10.3390/antiox11091698Ramkumar S, Raghunath A, Raghunath S.Statin therapy: review of safety and potential side effects.Acta Cardiol Sin. 2016;32(6):631-639. doi:10.6515/acs20160611aChen W, Ochs-Balcom HM, Ma C, Isackson PJ, Vladutiu GD, Luzum JA.Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for the treatment of statin-associated muscle symptoms.Future Cardiol. 2022;18(6):461-470. doi:10.2217/fca-2021-0106Vinci P, Panizon E, Tosoni LM, et al.Statin-associated myopathy: emphasis on mechanisms and targeted therapy.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(21):11687. doi:10.3390/ijms222111687Mantle D, Dybring A.Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10: an overview of the absorption process and subsequent metabolism.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(5):386. doi:10.3390/antiox9050386Martelli A, Testai L, Colletti A, et al.Coenzyme Q10: clinical applications in cardiovascular diseases.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(4):341. doi:10.3390/antiox9040341Hargreaves I, Heaton RA, Mantle D.Disorders of human coenzyme Q10 metabolism: an overview.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(18):6695. doi:10.3390/ijms21186695Raizner AE.Coenzyme Q10.Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2019;15(3):185-191. doi:10.14797/mdcj-15-3-185National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Coenzyme Q10.Qu H, Guo M, Chai H, et al.Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on statin-induced myopathy: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2018;7(19):e009835. doi:10.1161/JAHA.118.009835Skarlovnik A, Janić M, Lunder M, et al.Coenzyme Q10 supplementation decreases statin-related mild-to-moderate muscle symptoms: a randomized clinical study.Med Sci Monit. 2014;20:2183-2188. doi:10.12659/MSM.890777Wei H, Xin X, Zhang J, et al.Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on statin-induced myopathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Ir J Med Sci. 2022;191(2):719-725. doi:10.1007/s11845-021-02651-xPravst I, Zmitek K, Zmitek J.Coenzyme Q10 contents in foods and fortification strategies.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2010;50(4):269-280. doi:10.1080/10408390902773037Saini R.Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient.J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2011;3(3):466-467. doi:10.4103/0975-7406.84471Sharma A, Fonarow GC, Butler J, et al.Coenzyme Q10 and heart failure: a state-of-the-art review.Circ Heart Fail. 2016;9(4):e002639. doi:10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.115.002639Moradi M, Haghighatdoost F, Feizi A, et al.Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on diabetes biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Arch Iran Med. 2016;19(8):588-596.Attardo S, Musumeci O, Velardo D, et al.Statins neuromuscular adverse effects.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(15):8364. doi:10.3390/ijms23158364
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Pinal-Fernandez I, Casal-Dominguez M, Mammen AL.Statins: pros and cons.Med Clin (Barc). 2018;150(10):398-402. doi:10.1016/j.medcli.2017.11.030Dohlmann TL, Kuhlman AB, Morville T, et al.Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in statin treated patients: a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial.Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(9):1698. doi:10.3390/antiox11091698Ramkumar S, Raghunath A, Raghunath S.Statin therapy: review of safety and potential side effects.Acta Cardiol Sin. 2016;32(6):631-639. doi:10.6515/acs20160611aChen W, Ochs-Balcom HM, Ma C, Isackson PJ, Vladutiu GD, Luzum JA.Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for the treatment of statin-associated muscle symptoms.Future Cardiol. 2022;18(6):461-470. doi:10.2217/fca-2021-0106Vinci P, Panizon E, Tosoni LM, et al.Statin-associated myopathy: emphasis on mechanisms and targeted therapy.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(21):11687. doi:10.3390/ijms222111687Mantle D, Dybring A.Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10: an overview of the absorption process and subsequent metabolism.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(5):386. doi:10.3390/antiox9050386Martelli A, Testai L, Colletti A, et al.Coenzyme Q10: clinical applications in cardiovascular diseases.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(4):341. doi:10.3390/antiox9040341Hargreaves I, Heaton RA, Mantle D.Disorders of human coenzyme Q10 metabolism: an overview.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(18):6695. doi:10.3390/ijms21186695Raizner AE.Coenzyme Q10.Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2019;15(3):185-191. doi:10.14797/mdcj-15-3-185National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Coenzyme Q10.Qu H, Guo M, Chai H, et al.Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on statin-induced myopathy: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2018;7(19):e009835. doi:10.1161/JAHA.118.009835Skarlovnik A, Janić M, Lunder M, et al.Coenzyme Q10 supplementation decreases statin-related mild-to-moderate muscle symptoms: a randomized clinical study.Med Sci Monit. 2014;20:2183-2188. doi:10.12659/MSM.890777Wei H, Xin X, Zhang J, et al.Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on statin-induced myopathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Ir J Med Sci. 2022;191(2):719-725. doi:10.1007/s11845-021-02651-xPravst I, Zmitek K, Zmitek J.Coenzyme Q10 contents in foods and fortification strategies.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2010;50(4):269-280. doi:10.1080/10408390902773037Saini R.Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient.J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2011;3(3):466-467. doi:10.4103/0975-7406.84471Sharma A, Fonarow GC, Butler J, et al.Coenzyme Q10 and heart failure: a state-of-the-art review.Circ Heart Fail. 2016;9(4):e002639. doi:10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.115.002639Moradi M, Haghighatdoost F, Feizi A, et al.Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on diabetes biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Arch Iran Med. 2016;19(8):588-596.Attardo S, Musumeci O, Velardo D, et al.Statins neuromuscular adverse effects.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(15):8364. doi:10.3390/ijms23158364
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Pinal-Fernandez I, Casal-Dominguez M, Mammen AL.Statins: pros and cons.Med Clin (Barc). 2018;150(10):398-402. doi:10.1016/j.medcli.2017.11.030Dohlmann TL, Kuhlman AB, Morville T, et al.Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in statin treated patients: a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial.Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(9):1698. doi:10.3390/antiox11091698Ramkumar S, Raghunath A, Raghunath S.Statin therapy: review of safety and potential side effects.Acta Cardiol Sin. 2016;32(6):631-639. doi:10.6515/acs20160611aChen W, Ochs-Balcom HM, Ma C, Isackson PJ, Vladutiu GD, Luzum JA.Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for the treatment of statin-associated muscle symptoms.Future Cardiol. 2022;18(6):461-470. doi:10.2217/fca-2021-0106Vinci P, Panizon E, Tosoni LM, et al.Statin-associated myopathy: emphasis on mechanisms and targeted therapy.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(21):11687. doi:10.3390/ijms222111687Mantle D, Dybring A.Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10: an overview of the absorption process and subsequent metabolism.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(5):386. doi:10.3390/antiox9050386Martelli A, Testai L, Colletti A, et al.Coenzyme Q10: clinical applications in cardiovascular diseases.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(4):341. doi:10.3390/antiox9040341Hargreaves I, Heaton RA, Mantle D.Disorders of human coenzyme Q10 metabolism: an overview.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(18):6695. doi:10.3390/ijms21186695Raizner AE.Coenzyme Q10.Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2019;15(3):185-191. doi:10.14797/mdcj-15-3-185National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Coenzyme Q10.Qu H, Guo M, Chai H, et al.Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on statin-induced myopathy: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2018;7(19):e009835. doi:10.1161/JAHA.118.009835Skarlovnik A, Janić M, Lunder M, et al.Coenzyme Q10 supplementation decreases statin-related mild-to-moderate muscle symptoms: a randomized clinical study.Med Sci Monit. 2014;20:2183-2188. doi:10.12659/MSM.890777Wei H, Xin X, Zhang J, et al.Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on statin-induced myopathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Ir J Med Sci. 2022;191(2):719-725. doi:10.1007/s11845-021-02651-xPravst I, Zmitek K, Zmitek J.Coenzyme Q10 contents in foods and fortification strategies.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2010;50(4):269-280. doi:10.1080/10408390902773037Saini R.Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient.J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2011;3(3):466-467. doi:10.4103/0975-7406.84471Sharma A, Fonarow GC, Butler J, et al.Coenzyme Q10 and heart failure: a state-of-the-art review.Circ Heart Fail. 2016;9(4):e002639. doi:10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.115.002639Moradi M, Haghighatdoost F, Feizi A, et al.Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on diabetes biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Arch Iran Med. 2016;19(8):588-596.Attardo S, Musumeci O, Velardo D, et al.Statins neuromuscular adverse effects.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(15):8364. doi:10.3390/ijms23158364
Pinal-Fernandez I, Casal-Dominguez M, Mammen AL.Statins: pros and cons.Med Clin (Barc). 2018;150(10):398-402. doi:10.1016/j.medcli.2017.11.030
Dohlmann TL, Kuhlman AB, Morville T, et al.Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in statin treated patients: a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial.Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(9):1698. doi:10.3390/antiox11091698
Ramkumar S, Raghunath A, Raghunath S.Statin therapy: review of safety and potential side effects.Acta Cardiol Sin. 2016;32(6):631-639. doi:10.6515/acs20160611a
Chen W, Ochs-Balcom HM, Ma C, Isackson PJ, Vladutiu GD, Luzum JA.Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for the treatment of statin-associated muscle symptoms.Future Cardiol. 2022;18(6):461-470. doi:10.2217/fca-2021-0106
Vinci P, Panizon E, Tosoni LM, et al.Statin-associated myopathy: emphasis on mechanisms and targeted therapy.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(21):11687. doi:10.3390/ijms222111687
Mantle D, Dybring A.Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10: an overview of the absorption process and subsequent metabolism.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(5):386. doi:10.3390/antiox9050386
Martelli A, Testai L, Colletti A, et al.Coenzyme Q10: clinical applications in cardiovascular diseases.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(4):341. doi:10.3390/antiox9040341
Hargreaves I, Heaton RA, Mantle D.Disorders of human coenzyme Q10 metabolism: an overview.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(18):6695. doi:10.3390/ijms21186695
Raizner AE.Coenzyme Q10.Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2019;15(3):185-191. doi:10.14797/mdcj-15-3-185
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Coenzyme Q10.
Qu H, Guo M, Chai H, et al.Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on statin-induced myopathy: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2018;7(19):e009835. doi:10.1161/JAHA.118.009835
Skarlovnik A, Janić M, Lunder M, et al.Coenzyme Q10 supplementation decreases statin-related mild-to-moderate muscle symptoms: a randomized clinical study.Med Sci Monit. 2014;20:2183-2188. doi:10.12659/MSM.890777
Wei H, Xin X, Zhang J, et al.Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on statin-induced myopathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Ir J Med Sci. 2022;191(2):719-725. doi:10.1007/s11845-021-02651-x
Pravst I, Zmitek K, Zmitek J.Coenzyme Q10 contents in foods and fortification strategies.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2010;50(4):269-280. doi:10.1080/10408390902773037
Saini R.Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient.J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2011;3(3):466-467. doi:10.4103/0975-7406.84471
Sharma A, Fonarow GC, Butler J, et al.Coenzyme Q10 and heart failure: a state-of-the-art review.Circ Heart Fail. 2016;9(4):e002639. doi:10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.115.002639
Moradi M, Haghighatdoost F, Feizi A, et al.Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on diabetes biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Arch Iran Med. 2016;19(8):588-596.
Attardo S, Musumeci O, Velardo D, et al.Statins neuromuscular adverse effects.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(15):8364. doi:10.3390/ijms23158364
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