CoQ10 for those on Lipid Lowering Medication

By Shana Hopkins, MS, CN, WAC Nutritionist

Millions of Americans take lipid-lowering drugs to decrease their blood cholesterol levels to within normal range. What most people taking these drugs do not know is that these drugs block the production of CoQ10.

What is CoQ10?

CoQ10 is a substance naturally produced by the body and is used to transform food into the energy we know and use, called ATP. CoQ10 is vital to the body and the production of energy. It is also an antioxidant and helps to preserve Vitamin E in our bodies.

These drugs are able to lower cholesterol by blocking the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, which basically shuts down the liver's ability to produce cholesterol. However, CoQ10 is also produced by this same enzyme pathway and can become depleted in the body. Thus, it is essential to supplement with CoQ10 when taking these drugs.

Dr. Julian Whitaker, director of the Whitaker Wellness Institute, advises that all those on lipid lowering drugs to supplement with 100–200mg per day. CoQ10 should be taken with meals for best absorption.

Consult your health care practitioner to see if taking CoQ10 is right for you.