CoQ10 also functions as a powerful antioxidant to help fight free radicals that can damage cells and DNA. Talk to your doctor before taking statins in combination with any kind of supplement or medication.Statins, generally well-tolerated by most users, provide the most effective remedy for reducing low-density lipoprotein – LDL or "bad" cholesterol. On the other hand, CoQ10 and fish oil may offer particular benefits to people on statin drugs. Gilhuly holds a Master of Science in health, nutrition and exercise from North Dakota State University. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM Kathryn Gilhuly is a wellness coach based in San Diego. This means you could end up with more statins in your system than intended, causing an accidental overdose. According to the CDC, approximately 28 percent of American men and women over age 40 take a statin. Copyright © Scientific studies to determine the effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 in reducing statin … However, your body produces less and less CoQ10 as you get older. Taking it may be a good option for you, especially if you’re in good health.© 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Tests that measure your creatine kinase levels can distinguish the difference between muscle discomfort and rhabdomyolysis.Vitamins E, C, selenium and beta-carotene reduced the effectiveness of statins, according to the results of a study led by Greg Brown, professor of medicine at Seattle's University of Washington School of Medicine. All rights reserved. Therefore, the Supplements you should take, if on statins, to reduce dangerous side effects and support heart health are: Of course like any change to your medication, you should ask your doctor if there would be any conflicts with your medication before taking the following: Coenzyme Q10: (aka Ubiquinol): Take 60mg / day 2020 However, many patients stop statin use after experiencing statin side effects. The most common seems to be stomach upset. Print Article; Statins are a family of prescription drugs used to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and have been shown to reduce cardiovascular events in at-risk patients. The best sources of CoQ10 are oily fish and Some people experience more serious problems, including a condition known as Along with these effects, statins also lower your body’s levels of coenzyme Q10. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. All rights reserved. Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a substance that the human body makes naturally. You may experience muscle cramps if you take statins. LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. To play it safe, it may be best to take statins at least a couple of hours before consuming a green tea supplement or beverage. Supplements to avoid when taking statins include antioxidants, red … People with certain conditions, including diabetes, Although your body produces its own CoQ10, you can also get it from certain foods. While there aren’t enough studies to confirm how well it works to do this, it may be possible to combine CoQ10 with statins for better results.Many studies review the connection between CoQ10 supplement use and heart health. Because coenzyme Q10 plays a role in muscle cell energy production, some researchers have proposed that taking a coenzyme Q10 supplement might reduce the risk of muscle-related side effects. Although green tea can help lower cholesterol, it can also decrease absorption of some, but not all, statin drugs. She helps doctors, nurses and other professionals implement lifestyle changes that focus on a healthy diet and exercise. If you take statins to improve your blood cholesterol levels, some supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of statins or increase your risk of side effects, some potentially life-threatening. For safety's sake, keep your doctor apprised of all herbs, vitamins and supplements you take as well as medications.A supplement called red yeast rice provides some of the same benefits as statins. Overall, more studies are needed to confirm their benefit for this side effect.If you’re taking statins and have unpleasant side effects, discuss CoQ10 supplements with your doctor. Your risk of side effects, including muscle tissue breakdown, would increase. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. CoQ10 can also lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels more closely while taking it or avoid the supplement altogether.CoQ10 supplements can interact with some medications, including beta-blockers, some Although CoQ10 supplements seems to show much promise for heart health, their effectiveness for improving muscle pain from statins is unclear. Your doctor may prescribe statins with other medications, such as prescription-strength niacin. Participants who took an "antioxidant cocktail" containing the four supplements along with statins and niacin realized less improvement in their HDL cholesterol levels than participants who took just statins and niacin. LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. If you combine red yeast rice and statins, you increase your risk of incurring muscle tissue breakdown. A review published in Coenzyme Q10 supplements have few reported side effects. 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