One of the most commonly prescribed medications today comes from the statin family. This is a list that includes atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), fluvastatin (Lescol), and pravastatin (Pravachol). Statins work by blocking a key enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase. This causes your LDL levels to be reduced. LDL is considered the bad cholesterol; however this will will be examined further in a future blog. This process also seems to cause the HDL, or good cholesterol, to be elevated.
There are a number of patients that suffer from myalgia related to the statins that they are prescribed. This means that they have muscle pain caused by the statins that they are taking. This can be mild to down-right debilitating. Since the patients are usually taking statins for life, a helpful remedy would really benefit these patients.
A study published in 2006 gave a good indication that taking Co-Q10 can help with these painful symptoms. Co-Q 10 or ubiquinone is a substance that is similar to a vitamin found in every cell in your body. Your cells use Co-Q 10 to produce energy for cell growth and maintenance. It also works as a powerful antioxidant that protects your body from harmful toxins. You can usually get this from organ meats such as heart, lung, or kidney, but it can also be taken as a natural supplement.
The research is still unsure of why the statins cause muscle pain, but some researchers believe that the statins diminish the body of Co-Q 10. Supplementation of Co-Q 10 tends to help with this pain.
If you are taking statins and you are suffering from muscle pain ask your doctor about supplementing with Co-Q10. It may keep you from taking things that are much more harmful such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen.
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