Journal of Infectious Diseases & Preventive Medicine
Open Access

Abstract

The Role of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation with Statin Drug Use and Chronic Diseases

Heverton Alves Peres, Maria Cristina Freitas Foss and Leonardo Régis Leira Pereira

Patients with chronic diseases exhibit a deficiency of Coenzyme Q10 (Coq10). Also, there is no doubt lowering cholesterol medication, statin drugs will “reduce the natural levels of CoQ10 in the body” Known to have antioxidant effects, Coq10 is essential for the proper functioning of adenine triphosphate (ATP) energy production in the cells. There is medical literature with positive recommendations for Coq10 supplementation with statin drugs. Unfortunately, because of controversial studies cited in the literature, there exists misinformation about the benefits of Coq10 supplementation in patients taking statins. Thus, the objective this mini-review is to discuss the beneficial role Coq10 supplementation provided to individuals taking statins and to encouraging doctors and health professionals to prescribe Coq10. Some of the negative feedback stems from the low bioavailability of oral Coq10 supplements. However, newer sublingual Coq10 supplementation formulas are much more absorbable. Additionally, solubilized CoQ10 in oil formulations show enhanced bioavailability. Coq10 protects the mitochondria and low levels of Coq10 produce mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing adenine triphosphate production. Various chronic diseases respond positively to Coq10 supplementation. Systematic reviews and clinical trials show persons taking statin medication have deficient levels of Coq10 and Coq10 supplementation decreases the negative side effects of statins. Unfortunately, many clinicians do not understand that the statin drugs block the rate-controlling enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) whose detrimental consequences are broader than muscle-related adverse events. Providing significant improvement in endothelial function, Coq10 supplementation has been shown, also, to be efficacious in persons with heart failure. We argue in our medical communities; a perceptual shift is urgently needed, providing a positive approach to Coq10 supplementation with statin drug users and chronic disease patients.