Statins are among the most widely used medications in modern medicine. They have a strong track record for protecting heart health and reducing cardiovascular risk. But according to Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos, a Cornell trained MD who focuses on longevity, statins may unintentionally reduce the body’s supply of an important nutrient called CoQ10. This reduction can affect energy levels, muscle comfort and overall cellular health. Because of this, he explains that supplementing CoQ10 while taking statins may be a valuable strategy for long term wellness.
What CoQ10 does inside our cells
CoQ10 is a naturally occurring compound that sits inside the mitochondria, the tiny structures often called the powerhouses of your cells. These mitochondria produce ATP, the energy fuel required for movement, healing, thinking and overall body function. Every heartbeat, every muscle contraction and every repair your body performs depends on ATP. CoQ10 helps the mitochondria produce this energy efficiently.Dr. Eliopoulos describes CoQ10 as both an energy cofactor and an antioxidant. It supports the creation of energy while also protecting cells from damage. When CoQ10 levels fall, energy production becomes less efficient. Many people may feel tired, achy or slower to recover, which are symptoms that overlap with what some statin users experience.
How statins reduce CoQ10 levels
Statins work by blocking an enzyme called HMG CoA reductase. This enzyme helps the liver produce cholesterol. When the enzyme is inhibited, cholesterol production drops, which lowers cardiovascular risk. This is the main reason statins are so effective.However, Dr. Eliopoulos explains that this enzyme is also part of the pathway your body uses to synthesize CoQ10. When statins block the enzyme, the body produces less CoQ10 as a side effect. Reduced CoQ10 means reduced mitochondrial support. This connection may help explain why some people on statins feel muscle pain, weakness or fatigue. The issue is not necessarily muscle injury but a shortage of the energy needed to keep muscles functioning smoothly.What research says about CoQ10 And statin side effects
Over the years, scientists have studied whether supplementing CoQ10 can reduce statin associated muscle symptoms. Many randomized controlled trials report encouraging results. Adults with statin induced muscle pain who took CoQ10 often showed meaningful reductions in discomfort. They also reported improvements in energy and tolerance for their medication. These benefits typically appeared within one to three months of supplementation.Dr. Vass says that according to a 2023 systematic review that included around 800 participants found that CoQ10 significantly reduced muscle related symptoms in statin users. Importantly, the review noted that CoQ10 caused no major side effects. This makes it a generally safe supplement for most people.These findings support Dr. Eliopoulos’s suggestion that CoQ10 may be helpful for those who want to continue statins while reducing muscle fatigue or soreness.
Why some studies show different results
Dr. Eliopoulos also emphasizes that science is complex. Not every study finds benefits. Some large clinical trials have shown no significant improvement in muscle pain or functional strength when using CoQ10. One major trial even used 600 milligrams of ubiquinol, the more absorbable form of CoQ10, yet did not see clear symptom reduction.Some meta-analyses remain cautious because results vary depending on factors such as dosage, supplement quality, how long CoQ10 was taken and the type of statin used. The mixed evidence does not mean CoQ10 is ineffective. It simply reflects that individual responses vary and that not all statin users experience the same challenges.
Why CoQ10 may still be worth trying
Despite mixed research, Dr. Eliopoulos views CoQ10 as a reasonable option for many statin users. CoQ10 is naturally present in the body, has a central role in energy production and carries a strong safety record. For individuals who feel tired, heavy or achy while taking statins, CoQ10 could support mitochondrial function and improve everyday comfort.Some people respond strongly to supplementation, while others may notice only mild or no changes. Dr. Eliopoulos’s point is that CoQ10 is low risk and potentially high reward, especially for individuals committed to longevity and optimal cell function.Statins remain essential for reducing heart disease risk. At the same time, they lower the body’s natural production of CoQ10, which may explain symptoms like muscle pain and fatigue. Research suggests that CoQ10 helps many people manage these issues, although not everyone experiences the same benefits. With a supportive safety profile and strong biological logic, CoQ10 is a supplement worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
