The law of polarity dictates that there is no heaven without hell and sweet cannot exist without bitter. Medications, although they help solve many problems relatively quickly, in the medium and long term will also often push out other issues.
Millions of people use cholesterol-lowering drugs. They’re called statins, and they help control fats within the body. However, they do come with side effects. If you take statins, there are three very important things you should know about how Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, supplementation can help you solve some of these issues.
1. Statins do not cause severe liver damage
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), reports of severe cases are rare. It is suggested, though, that before giving statin treatment to a patient, the supervising doctor should perform liver enzyme tests and repeat them periodically to ensure everything is as it should be. In the case of hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice, or a combination of both, statin treatment should be stopped. (1)
2. Muscle pain can be a side effect of statins
There are indications that statins can induce pain in people suffering from muscle problems. According to a Slovenian study, the use of 50 mg of CoQ10 twice a day helps reduce mild to moderate muscle pain related to statin use. (2)
3. Using cholesterol-lowering medications decreases CoQ10, which can also decrease energy and increase oxidative stress.
A study in Italy showed that statins, while helping lower cholesterol, also lower several compounds in the body, including ubiquinone or CoQ10. This enzyme provides antioxidant protection which, when affected, leaves some areas of the body unprotected and affects certain functions, such as energy production. However, the same study showed that supplying CoQ10 to the body can increase plasma, lymphocytes, and liver tissue, among other positive effects. Including of course, energy. (3)
Other cholesterol-related benefits of CoQ10
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High fats are one of the manifestations of metabolic disease, and the use of coenzyme Q10 as an adjunct treatment to common clinical therapy against high fat has been shown to be beneficial. CoQ10’s effect on risk factors for cardiovascular disease have not yet been investigated in depth. Therefore, a study carried out in China that showed treatment of 120 mg of CoQ10 daily, for 24 weeks, was a great cardiovascular ally. Lipid and glycemic profile, inflammation, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated before and after 12 and 24 weeks of use. At week 12, CoQ10 supplementation decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure and increased antioxidant capacity. At week 24, it further reduced blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as decreased insulin resistance. (4)
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A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in Iran also determined that the effects of a lack of CoQ10 supplementation on lipids, one of the main triggers for coronary artery disease (CAD). This assumes that chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress are major contributors to the development of CAD. A total of eight trials showed that the use of CoQ10 in CAD patients significantly decreased total cholesterol and increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels, demonstrating promising effects. (5)
All this research makes clear that for cholesterol treatment involving statins, you should ask your doctor about the possibility of supplementing with CoQ10 to avoid adverse side effects, as well as provide benefits such as energy production.
Here we are, always thinking of you and your needs, so that we can continue to be healthier, together!
Your Santo Remedio Team
