What do statins deplete your body of?

Numerous studies have shown that statin drug-use depletes the body of CoQ10, a nutrient vital for heart health and muscle strength because it is involved in ATP production in the cell. The muscle pains that many patients experience while on statins are a result of the body being depleted of CoQ10.


What nutrients are depleted by statins?

Micronutrient deficiencies with statin therapy may include Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin D (1). It is important to note that not every person develops micronutrient deficiencies with medications, but it should be acknowledged that it can happen.

What vitamin deficiency is caused by statins?

Results. We have found a significant association between deficient and insufficient vitamin D status and statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). Vitamin D deficiency (<30 nmol/L) presents 77% (95% C.I. 71.6% to 81.7%) sensitivity and 63.4% (95% C.I.


Which minerals do statins decrease?

Genetically proxied inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (an enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol, which is a target of statins), lowered blood concentrations of iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium.

Do statins deplete energy?

In a study of more than 1,000 adults, researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that individuals taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are more likely than non-users to experience decreased energy, fatigue upon exertion, or both.


How do statins prevent heart attacks and strokes?



Why am I so tired on statins?

Research suggests that statins may cause you to feel tired because they play a role in decreasing the amount of energy provided to the cells in your muscles.

Do I need CoQ10 if I take a statin?

ANSWER: Although a coenzyme Q10 supplement may be helpful for some people who take a statin medication, no research studies have confirmed that it has benefits for everyone who takes statins.

What happens if you don't take CoQ10 with statins?

Some studies have shown that statins decrease the concentration of CoQ10 in both muscle tissue and in the bloodstream. The hypothesis is that, if you decrease the CoQ10 levels, you reduce the production of energy in muscle cells and they won't function as well, leading to muscle aches, weakness or inflammation.


Do statins deplete magnesium?

Statins: Cholesterol-lowering medications, such as Lipitor, are intended to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. These prescription drugs bind to fats that are necessary for mineral absorption, reducing the body's capacity to use magnesium.

What vitamin helps with statins?

CoQ10 Supplements

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient produced by the body and used for cellular energy, is often touted as being vital if you're taking statin drugs to lower cholesterol.

Is it OK to take vitamin D with statins?

Vitamin D supplement may have moderate or no effect on the dosage requirement or side effects of pravastatin, rosuvastatin and pitavastatin. Since vitamin D has mild HMG-CoA reductase activity, it will work synergistically with all statins.


Do statins deplete your body of CoQ10?

Statins can lower the amount of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the body. Some researchers think this contributes to commonly reported statin side effects, like muscle pain. Some studies suggest that CoQ10 supplements may help with muscle-related side effects from statins.

What is a natural supplement for statins?

Niacin. There is some evidence to show niacin (vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid) can lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol and raise 'good' high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, but little evidence that it reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke.

What are the two most common adverse effects of statins?

Side effects can vary between different statins, but common side effects include: headache. dizziness.


Do statins slow down metabolism?

Abstract. Objective: Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A [HMG CoA] reductase inhibitors) reduce blood lipoproteins and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, they may reduce fat metabolism.

Do statins deteriorate muscles?

Statins are commonly prescribed and successful lipid-lowering medications that reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular disease. The side effects most commonly associated with statin use involve muscle cramping, soreness, fatigue, weakness, and, in rare cases, rapid muscle breakdown that can lead to death.

Can you reverse muscle damage from statins?

The majority of muscle damage by statins is secondary to its direct toxic effects, possibly via coenzyme Q10 depletion causing mitochondrial dysfunction. The injury is dose dependent and reversible after withdrawing the drug, with most recovery of symptoms occurring within 2–3 months (3).


Do statins deplete calcium?

Evidence supports the idea that statin therapy not only reduces cholesterol levels but also changes existing plaques to make them less dangerous. As part of this process, the plaques may become more calcified—and thus, calcium score goes up.

Which is better for heart CoQ10 or fish oil?

If you eat sources of saturated fat, like beef, switching to foods with omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish, can help lower your heart disease risk. CoQ10 may offer benefits if you already struggle with cardiovascular disease risk or you've had a heart attack.

What are the symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency?

Other neurological abnormalities that can occur in primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency include seizures, intellectual disability, poor muscle tone (hypotonia), involuntary muscle contractions (dystonia), progressive muscle stiffness (spasticity), abnormal eye movements (nystagmus), vision loss caused by degeneration ( ...


What supplements should not be taken with statins?

Related Reviews (5)
  • Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements (Sterols/Stanols and Policosanol)
  • CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements.
  • Fish Oil /Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements.
  • Red Yeast Rice Supplements.
  • St. John's Wort Supplements.


Who should avoid taking CoQ10?

Risks. People with chronic diseases such as heart failure, liver problems, or diabetes should be wary of using this supplement. CoQ10 may lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

What does statin muscle pain feel like?

Statin-related muscle pain, if it happens at all, usually happens within the first few months after you start the drug or raise the dose. You may feel a constant soreness or weakness in your shoulders, thighs, hips, or calves. If you're like most people, it'll affect both sides of your body equally.


How do you stop leg cramps from statins?

Although there are no proven remedies for statin-related muscle pain, the following may help.
  1. Exercise. ...
  2. Ramp up your lifestyle changes. ...
  3. Have a thyroid blood test. ...
  4. Take supplements. ...
  5. Change your prescription. ...
  6. Image: © Christophe Bourloton/Thinkstock.


Why should statins be taken at night?

Many statins work more effectively when they are taken at night. This is because the enzyme which makes the cholesterol is more active at night. Also, the half-life, or the amount of time it takes for half the dose to leave your body, of some statins is short.