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Studies have shown that CoQ10 depletion from statin use can be reversed with supplementation.(See clinical trials.) Further, CoQ10 supplementation does not appear to affect the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of statins.
According to cardiologist Peter Langsjoen, combining CoQ10
and statins not only prevents the depletion of CoQ10, but
may enhance the benefits of statin drugs by lessening the
oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
It is noteworthy that one major pharmaceutical company
considers maintaining proper levels of CoQ10 so important
that it has taken out two patents for combining CoQ10 and
statins in a single capsule.3 Additionally, Pfizer
Canada, Inc. issued a product monograph for Lipitor (atorvastatin
calcium) in 2001 that included a statement of the effect
of ubiquinone (CoQ10) levels: |
1 Langsjoen,
P. and A., “Coenzyme Q10 in
Cardiovascular Disease with Emphasis on Heart Failure
and Myocardial Ischaemia, Asian Pacific Heart Journal,
1998;7(3).
2 Peter
Langsjoen, M.D.,FACC, Clinical Cardiologist, East Texas
Medical Center And Trinity Mother Francis Health System,
Tyler, TX.
3 Merck & Co.: US Patent 4929437, issued May 29, 1990,
and US Patent 4933165, issued June 12, 19900, both titled “Coenzyme
Q10 with HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors.”
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“Significant decreases in circulating ubiquinone
levels in patients treated with atorvastatin and other
statins has been observed. The clinical significance
of a potential long-term statin-induced deficiency of
ubiquinone has not been established. It has been
reported that a decrease in myocardial ubiquinone levels
could lead to impaired cardiac function in patients with
borderline congestive failure.”
Bottom line: Statins are an effective way to lower cholesterol.
However, if you are taking statins or considering taking
them, talk to your doctor about supplementing with CoQ10.
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