Understanding Statin Drugs: Benefits and Essential Supplements
One of the most commonly prescribed medicines for adults is from the Statin class; these medicines are designed to lower cholesterol in an effort to reduce the risk of developing a heart attack.
Look around you at your co-workers, family members, friends, or even just those at the supermarket. Either you or one of these people is taking or have taken a Statin medicine. It has been estimated that 8 out of 10 adults have taken a Statin medicine, with over 200 million new prescriptions written each year (some are written for those who took them the previous year).
Common Side Effects and Supplementation
Unfortunately, they're also the most common medicine that people stop taking because of its side effects. It's estimated that 54% of those taking Statin medicines stop taking them after 2-3 months.
Many of the side effects, however, are caused by a deficiency in CoQ10 (short for Co-enzyme Q10) resulting from the action of the Statin medicine in the liver. It generally takes 3 months for a person to experience the side effects of CoQ10 deficiency.
How Statins Work
Statin medicines work in the liver to inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is responsible for manufacturing 70% of the cholesterol the body uses. However, another use of this enzyme is to manufacture CoQ10 which is essential to the body - meaning the body can make all the CoQ10 it needs so long as this enzyme is working. Without that enzyme, the body cannot make the CoQ10, and the body will suffer if the nutrient is not supplemented or taken into the body from the diet.
Recognizing CoQ10 Deficiency
Looking at the side effects that most trouble someone taking a Statin medicine, these are the signs of a deficiency of CoQ10:
- Memory loss, depression, fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heart rhythm, palpitations
- Leg cramps or heavy, aching legs
- Diabetes
- Impotence
Vitamin D Deficiency
Several of the other side effects of these medicines are caused by a deficiency of vitamin D; this medicine class depletes vitamin D. These side effects include depression, anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD); shortness of breath; muscle weakness or osteoporosis; loss of or diminished hearing; increased risk of cancer; rheumatic pain; or decreased appetite or food ones.
Recommended Supplementation
Thus, unless otherwise contraindicated, it's a good idea to supplement with both CoQ10 and vitamin D daily while taking a Statin medicine. It's recommended a person take 100 mg CoQ10 and 1,000 IU vitamin D daily.
Liver Protection
Since we're talking about supplements, it may be a good idea to take a supplement to protect the liver as Statin medicines are very hard on the liver and over time, liver damage can occur. Consider a supplement such as Milk Thistle, ALA (alpha lipoic acid) or NAC (n-acetyl cysteine) to help protect the liver from damage.
Important Considerations
As a note, be aware that a Statin medicine interferes with absorption of ALL nutrients ingested; thus, it's recommended this medicine be taken at bedtime so that nutrients from your meals throughout the day get absorbed. But don't take with pomegranate or grapefruit juice as these substances increase the side effects of the medicine and can greatly increase the risk of liver damage or disease.
It's possible to take a medical medicine and diminish or remove the side effects of that medicine - sometimes you need to look to nature to do it. Just be wise and make sure what you take from nature is compatible with the medicine.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only. It's important that you not make health decisions or stop any medication without first consulting your personal doctor or health care provider.
