You may remember that cholesterol production begins with the molecule called acetyl-CoA. A number of metabolic reactions occur, until finally an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase is required to convert a substance called HMG-CoA into mevalonate. Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, thereby they inhibit mevalonate production. Mevalonate is a precursor to several substances, including cholesterol, sex hormones and adrenal hormones and Co Enzyme Q10. So as well as inhibiting cholesterol production, statins also inhibit the manufacture of many vital substances in our body.
Co Enzyme Q 10 (Co Q10) is also known as ubiquinone; it is formed in the mitochondria of each cell of our body, and is needed for energy production. Co Q10 is found in very high concentrations in cells that use a lot of energy, such as heart cells and skeletal muscle cells. It improves oxygen use by these cells, helping them to function. Co Enzyme Q 10 has many benefits for the heart, including:
• It is necessary for the production of collagen and elastin, helping to keep the blood vessels healthy.
• Acts as a strong antioxidant, protecting LDL “bad” cholesterol from oxidation.
• Reduces the risk of blood clots and rupture of fatty plaques in arteries.
• Needed for energy production by the heart and other cells.
Co Q 10 is considered one of the most important nutrients for a healthy heart, and yet statins deplete your body’s production of it. Many of the side effects of statin drags are probably caused by depletion of Co Q 10. Side effects of deficiency of this vital nutrient include:
• Muscle wasting, causing weakness and muscle pain.
• Heart failure (a deficiency weakens the heart muscle, making it less able to pump blood efficiently).
• Neuropathy (damage to the nervous system).
• Inflammation of the tendons and ligaments.
You are especially susceptible to suffer statin induced side effects if you are:
• Elderly
• Female
• Diabetic
• Postoperative
• If you have a liver or kidney disease
• If you take other medication, especially erythromycin, fibrates, itraconazole, or immunosuppressive drugs.
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