People at risk of cardiovascular disease are advised to reduce their cholesterol levels, usually by taking statins.
Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase (reduction in the body's CoQ10 production may occur when taking statins), which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol.
Several recent clinical studies have reported people taking statins are increasing their risk of developing type II diabetes. A recent study found that people with naturally lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are less likely to develop heart disease, however, were more vulnerable to developing type II diabetes. Scientists believe reducing LDL levels by taking statins may have the same effect.
Coenzyme Q10 Supplement
A coenzyme q10 supplement may be of benefit to those taking statin medications. Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance which the body requires for the normal functioning of all tissues and those with the highest energy requirements (heart and muscles) are particularly reliant on an adequate supply. The body’s synthesis of CoQ10 is depleting with age, illness and by certain medications including statins. Supplementation can prevent the depletion of CoQ10 levels at the hand of statins.
A coenzyme q10 supplement may be beneficial to statin users because:
- Supplementation with CoQ10 reduces LDL cholesterol levels
- In the clinical study, Q-SYMBIO, published in the Journal of the American College of -Cardiology, supplementation with CoQ10 was reported to reduce the risk of cardiovascular consequences. 420 heart failure patients took either three 100mg capsules of Bio-Quinone Q10 per day, or a placebo for two years. Consequently, supplementation with Q10 is reducing the risk of cardiac related mortality by 43%.
- With regards to statin induced risk of diabetes, studies in animal models have shown that Coenzyme Q10 supplementation can reverse the adverse effects of statins.
- Clinical studies have also shown that a coenzyme Q10 supplement, improves glycemic control
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BIO-QUINONE
Experts are recommending patients continue use of their statins, with the benefits of heart attack prevention outweigh the side effects. CoQ10 does not interfere with the cholesterol lowering work of the statin medications. For more information on Q10, visit www.q10.co.uk.