If You Take A Statin, Take Coenzyme Q10 Also

[tex]

Hi All,

I've mentioned this before, but it's worth repeating because of the health risks that it can minimize. If you or a loved one are taking a statin (or planning to do so), be sure that you/they take CoQ10 along with it, to help prevent possible heart failure.

Statin-induced CoQ10 depletion is well documented in animal and human studies with detrimental cardiac consequences in both animal models and human trials. This drug-induced nutrient deficiency is dose related and more notable in settings of pre-existing CoQ10 deficiency such as in the elderly and in heart failure. Statin-induced CoQ10 deficiency is completely preventable with supplemental CoQ10 with no adverse impact on the cholesterol lowering or anti-inflammatory properties of the statin drugs. We are currently in the midst of a congestive heart failure epidemic in the United States, the cause or causes of which are unclear. As physicians, it is our duty to be absolutely certain that we are not inadvertently doing harm to our patients by creating a wide-spread deficiency of a nutrient critically important for normal heart function.

The clinical use of HMG CoA-reductase inhibitors and the associated depletion of coenzyme Q10. A review of animal and human publications.

As Dr. Briffa points out in a recent blog, the heart is a muscle, and the depletion of CoQ10 by statins is thought to be a major reason why statins are associated with the cause of muscle fatigue.

it’s worth bearing in mind that the heart is a muscle, and depleting it of CoQ10 may be hazardous for cardiac health.

The red emphasis is mine in both quotes.

More evidence points to statins as a potential cause of heart failure

IOW, statins can cause the very problem that they are prescribed to treat (which puts them in the iatrogenic category, if the doctor fails to recommend the concurrent use of a CoQ10 supplement).

Tex

[Gabes-Apg]

Even if you are not taking a statin, take CoQ10!
it is good for gums/teeth, adrenals, helps the body make healthy cells.

[JFR]

From Chris Kresser:
"Like other red meat, heart is a good source of iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins, but where heart really shines is its CoQ10 content. CoQ10 is vital for energy production and prevention of oxidative stress, and people with chronic health conditions are often deficient. There are also some genetic factors that can impede the biosynthesis of CoQ10, making it more important for those people to have a source of pre-formed CoQ10 in their diet.

Heart is the best food source of CoQ10, with pork heart and beef heart topping the list at approximately 127 mcg/g and 113 mcg/g, respectively. (2) By comparison, sardines supply only about 64 mcg/g, beef liver contains 39 mcg, beef muscle meat contains 31 mcg, and pork muscle meat has anywhere from 24 to 41 mcg."

I have been eating lamb heart sauted in coconut oil 2-3 times a week. It tastes pretty good. Don't knock it until you've tried it.

Jean

[Gabes-Apg]

Very interesting Jean, thanks

It explains why so many in current time have deficiencies, not many people eat offal.
?50 -60 years ago, most people ate offal,

[hazel]

Since I take a statin I've started taking CoQ10 after reading about it. But it is expensive! :-(

[Alicegf]

Hi Kathy

I don't know if I ever told you this, but I take a pill containing red yeast rice and CoQ10. It's from the health food store so it's not cheap; is that where you get yours? Red yeast rice is similar to a statin, I've been told. But lesser side effects. I don't have any.

Alice