CoQ10 Benefits And Side Effects: Why They Are Important To Users Of Statins?
If you are a user of statins, you should be aware of the benefits of using a good quality CoQ10 supplement alongside. Statins are commonly prescribed for cholesterol control but a side effect of using them is the depletion of CoQ10 levels within the body. CoQ10 is essential for energy production and health maintenance, with CoQ10 depletion being partly responsible for the onset of many of the symptoms of aging.
What Are Statins? It is estimated that up to 7 million people use statins every day in the UK in order to help maintain healthy cholesterol balance. Statins lower bad cholesterol (lowdensity lipoprotein or LDL) by blocking the chemical in the liver that produces cholesterol. Although Cholesterol is essential for normal cell and body function, if levels get too high can it can lead to fatty deposits building up in arteries - thus restricting blood flow. In lowering blood cholesterol, statins reduce the risk of strokes and cardiovascular health problems such as heart attacks or angina.
Statins and Their Effects on CoQ10 Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme which produces the bad cholesterol in your body. Unfortunately, this same enzyme is responsible for producing CoQ10, hence one of the unwanted side effects of using statins is the reduction of CoQ10 levels within the body. Present in the muscles, CoQ10 is also found within the heart, the liver, the brain and the kidneys. When your CoQ10 levels are low, your muscles may feel weak and uncomfortable, your mind may feel cloudy, and your heart has to work harder. Meanwhile, the liver and kidneys find it tougher to cleanse your body and remove impurities. All of this can affect overall systemic health, leading to other health problems.
You could be especially vulnerable to statin-induced CoQ10 deficiency if you have diabetes, are more than 50 years of age or are at risk of heart failure or cardiomyopathy. Fortunately, these unwanted side effects produced by statins can be offset by topping up your body using quality CoQ10 Supplements. Research published in the American Journal of Cardiology in 2004 produced evidence of early heart muscle weakness in 70% of patients using statins over a six-month period. This heart muscle weakness reverted back to normal after supplementing CoQ10 100mg three times each day.
CoQ10 Supplements and Dosages Although the need for CoQ10 supplementation is highest for those on statins, it is not just this group of people who can benefit from Co Enzyme supplements. Once you pass the age of 20 years old the levels of CoQ10 in your body begin to go down, meaning most people can benefit from a health maintenance dose. As a general rule CoQ10 recommended daily dosages are:
CoQ10 30mg - 60mg: health maintenance for those over the age of 20. CoQ10 100mg: for anyone with cardiovascular/circulation health issues, those on low dose statins and anyone looking for improved exercise performance. CoQ10 300mg: anyone with high blood pressure or on highdose statins. CoQ10 supplements are fat soluble so are more easily absorbed by the body when taken with foods that contain oil or fat.
Conclusion If you use statins, then it is certain that you would benefit from some sort of CoQ10 supplementation. Not only does CoQ10 improve the efficiency of the statins you are using; it also helps maintain healthy Coenzyme Q10 levels throughout the body. In the short term, supplementation can help you maintain energy levels and clarity of mind, whilst in the long term, it will help maintain overall systemic health.
Resources: http://statinsideeffect.com http://ezinearticles.com/?CoQ10-Benefits-AndSide-Effects:-Why-They-Are-Important-ToUsers-Of-Statins?&id=7220633