STATINS AGAINST THE CHOLESTEROL: MAY CREATE MUSCLE PAIN
Supplements against Cholesterol
Products based on Coenzyme Q10
Researchers shed light on the mystery of cholesterol: is the reason why statins cause muscle pain
Statins that reduce cholesterol levels inhibit an important compound called coenzyme Q10 and, according to recent research, this is due to muscle pain and, in some cases, a reduced glucose tolerance.
In a Danish study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 40% of patients taking statins to reduce cholesterol levels found muscle pain and poor exercise tolerance. In addition, scientists have observed a trend towards a difficult metabolization of glucose and insulin resistance lower. The new study adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating that the use of statins, although it is effective in lowering cholesterol levels, it has a downside.
Reduced levels of Q10
The underlying cause of the symptoms seems to be linked to statins that not only inhibit cholesterol, but also a basic compound called coenzyme Q10, which is responsible for the generation of energy in the "power plants" (mitochondria) of cells, in particular in the cells of muscles.
When muscle cells are not able to produce enough power to operate properly, you can submit disorders such as pain and reduced exercise capacity. In fact, 75% of the athletes who take statins may experience muscle aches, because obviously strive more muscle mass.
The contribution of supplements
It is interesting to note that taking supplements of coenzyme Q10 with statins may counteract the risk of these side effects. This was demonstrated in a 2007 study in which American scientists have prescribed to patients taking statins regularly accused pains and a daily dose of 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 supplement or a pill "dummy" (placebo) for the same month. Patients who had used the supplement coenzyme Q10 together with their medicine showed a decrease in muscle pain 40% and have felt much less limited by side effects compared to the group who had taken the placebo pill.
Source:
Simvastatin Effects on Skeletal Muscle
Relation to Decreased Mitochondrial Function and Glucose Tolerance
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Vol 61, No. 1, 2013
Products based on coenzyme Q10
Supplements against Cholesterol