CoQ10 and Statins: Why Statins Lower CoQ10, What the Research Says and How to Talk With Your Doctor
By Why statins can lower your body's CoQ10, what research says about CoQ10 for statin muscle aches, safety, typical amounts, and questions to ask your doctor.
- Statins work by blocking a pathway your body also uses to make CoQ10, so blood CoQ10 levels can drop.
- A 2018 meta-analysis of 12 trials (575 patients) found CoQ10 eased statin-related muscle pain, weakness, cramps and tiredness.
- NCCIH notes results have varied and says overall evidence does not yet prove CoQ10 reduces statin muscle pain.
- CoQ10 has no serious side effects reported, but it may interact with warfarin and insulin.
- Never stop or change a statin on your own; CoQ10 is something to discuss alongside your treatment.
Why Statins Can Lower CoQ10
Statins are among the most widely prescribed medicines for managing cholesterol. They work by blocking an enzyme in the liver’s cholesterol-making pathway. That same pathway also helps your body produce coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a compound found in every cell and at its highest levels in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas, according to NCCIH.
Because of this shared pathway, people taking statins can have lower levels of CoQ10 in their blood. That is why so many people on statins ask whether a CoQ10 supplement makes sense.
CoQ10 for Statin Muscle Aches
Some people taking statins notice muscle aches, weakness or tiredness. Researchers have tested whether CoQ10 can help:
- A 2018 meta-analysis in the Journal of the American Heart Association pooled 12 randomized controlled trials with 575 patients. Compared with placebo, CoQ10 eased statin-associated muscle pain, weakness, cramps and tiredness. The authors concluded CoQ10 may be a complementary approach for statin-related muscle symptoms.
- The same analysis found no change in creatine kinase, a blood marker of muscle damage.
Two Views of the Evidence
To be fair to readers, not every expert body reads the research the same way. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that results of individual studies have varied and that, overall, the evidence does not yet support the idea that CoQ10 reduces statin muscle pain. NCCIH also describes research on CoQ10 for preventing heart disease as inconclusive.
The practical takeaway: CoQ10 is a low-risk option that some people find helpful, and it is worth a conversation with your doctor rather than a decision made alone.
How Much CoQ10 Do People Take?
- Many heart-health supplements provide 100 to 200 mg a day. For example, CardioClear7 provides 100 mg of CoQ10 with PQQ and shilajit, and HeartAide provides 100 mg in liquid drops.
- CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so take it with a meal that contains a little fat.
- If it seems to affect your sleep, take it in the morning or at lunch.
Learn more in our CoQ10 guide for adults over 50.
Safety and Interactions
NCCIH reports that no serious side effects of CoQ10 have been reported. Mild side effects such as insomnia or digestive upset may occur. Two interactions are important:
- Warfarin (a blood thinner): CoQ10 may interact with it, so your doctor may want to check your blood more closely.
- Insulin: CoQ10 may interact with this diabetes medicine.
A Note on Red Yeast Rice
Some heart supplements also contain red yeast rice, which naturally contains monacolin K, the same compound as the statin lovastatin. If you already take a statin, do not add red yeast rice without your doctor’s approval. Our red yeast rice and CoQ10 guide explains why.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Could my muscle aches be related to my statin, or something else?
- Would a CoQ10 supplement be reasonable for me, and how much?
- Does CoQ10 interact with any of my other medicines, such as warfarin or insulin?
- How long should I try it before we review how I feel?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take CoQ10 if I take a statin?
Many people do, because statins can lower the body's CoQ10. A 2018 meta-analysis of 12 trials found CoQ10 eased statin-related muscle symptoms, though NCCIH says overall evidence is mixed. Ask your doctor whether it makes sense for you.
Do statins lower CoQ10?
Yes. Statins block a pathway the body uses to make both cholesterol and CoQ10, so blood CoQ10 levels can drop.
Does CoQ10 help statin muscle pain?
A 2018 meta-analysis in the Journal of the American Heart Association found CoQ10 reduced statin-associated muscle pain, weakness, cramps and tiredness compared with placebo. NCCIH notes that results have varied between studies.
How much CoQ10 should I take with a statin?
Many supplements provide 100 to 200 mg a day, taken with a meal. Your doctor can advise the right amount for you.
Is it safe to take CoQ10 with statins?
No serious side effects of CoQ10 have been reported. It may interact with warfarin and insulin, so check with your doctor or pharmacist, and never stop a statin without medical advice.
Can I take red yeast rice with a statin?
Not without your doctor's approval. Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, the same compound as the statin lovastatin.
Keep Reading
Sources
- NCCIH: Coenzyme Q10
- Qu et al., Journal of the American Heart Association (2018): Effects of CoQ10 on statin-induced myopathy, meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
This guide is general education, not medical advice. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement, especially if you take prescription medicine.
Chris V. Schaller
Founder & Editor · Wellness Press Now
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