Statins and Super Q10

2-18-11

Nearly 60 million people will be taking statin drugs for lowering cholesterol.  Most of them are over 50 years of age and very few of them will be on supplemental CoQ10.  

Statin drug inhibits the body’s natural synthesis of CoQ10, which is needed for optimum heart health and general health. The use of statin drugs can decrease the body’s synthesis of CoQ10 by as much as 40%.  The heart is usually the first to feel statin associated CoQ10 depletion because of its extremely high energy demand. 

Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble antioxidant found everywhere in the body.  The highest concentrations have been measured in vital organs such as the heart and pancreas.  It is an essential component of the mitochondria (the power house of cell) playing a critical role in the formation of ATP, the body’s fundamental energy unit from carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism.

Supplemental CoQ10 is becoming a popular health regime for those taking statin drugs. 

Is it true that OsteoSun (red yeast rice) depletes CoQ10?  

There is evidence that statin drugs (cholesterol blockers) can deplete CoQ₁₀ levels in the body.  This evidence has been extrapolated to include red yeast rice, because red yeast rice contains monacolins that are chemically analogous to some of the statins.  The amount of monacolins in OsteoSun is about 25 times lower than the regular lovastatin dose.  Therefore, some customers may wish to supplement their diet with CoQ₁₀.  Since individual needs and results can vary widely, we recommend that you consult with your physician, alternative health care practitioner, or nutritionist in this matter.