The Link Between Ubiquinol, CoQ10, and Statins

Why Do People Take Ubiquinol With Statins?

Statin drugs (Lipitor®, Zocor®, Pravachol®, Crestor®, and the like) are prescribed to lower a person's cholesterol level. They do this by inhibiting the body's internal production of cholesterol . At the same time, these drugs inhibit the body's production of CoQ10.1 3 4 This means there is less CoQ10 — and ultimately less Ubiquinol — in the blood, particularly in people who have been on statins at high doses or for a long time.  

The Connection Between CoQ10 and Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance that’s found in every cell of your body and plays an important role in making hormones and vitamin D and supporting digestion. However, too much cholesterol can cause health problems. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe  a statin for you. That’s great for lowering cholesterol, but it’s also important to be aware that statins can impact your CoQ10 levels.

The key is that both cholesterol and CoQ10 are produced in the body through the same pathway. As you can see in the figure below, acetoacetyl-CoA gets changed into mevalonate. This is done with the help of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. Mevalonate can then be used to make either cholesterol or CoQ10. This is called the “mevalonate pathway” and we've simplified several steps in between for clarity.

Statins work by inhibiting the action of HMG-CoA reductase so that the amount of mevalonate formed is decreased. With less mevalonate, less cholesterol is formed, and this is exactly what you want to have happen when your cholesterol is too high. However, in doing so, the amount of CoQ10 that the body makes is also decreased. And, lower CoQ10 levels can lead to less Ubiquinol in your body.

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Ubiquinol and Statin Research 

Studies have shown that Ubiquinol effectively restores the CoQ10 that statins can deplete over time. Research also shows that when compared to conventional CoQ10, Ubiquinol is better able to replenish CoQ10 levels in statin users.

On a Statin? Here’s Why Ubiquinol is an Important Supplement. 

Studies have shown that Ubiquinol effectively restores the CoQ10 that statins can deplete over time. Research also shows that when compared to conventional CoQ10, Ubiquinol is better able to replenish CoQ10 levels in statin users.

1. Ubiquinol is Better Absorbed than Conventional CoQ10

In a healthy adult, 95% or more of the total CoQ10 in the body is in the Ubiquinol form, with the greatest concentration in the heart and other organs with high energy demands such as the kidneys and liver. Ubiquinol has been shown to be 2-4x better absorbed than conventional CoQ10. Supplementing with Ubiquinol provides the already activated, antioxidant form of CoQ10, facilitating its functionality in the blood and tissues. Studies have shown that Ubiquinol supplementation improved certain blood markers associated with heart health including LDL oxidation and nitric oxide production.

2. Ubiquinol Is  A Powerful Antioxidant

Oxidative stress is when we have an imbalance between the antioxidants and free radicals in our bodies. Although mild, short-term oxidative stress is nothing to worry about, long-term oxidative stress can damage the body’s cells and contribute to premature aging and the development of chronic health conditions.

If you have been prescribed a statin, there are many good reasons to add a Ubiquinol supplement to your daily routine, and make sure the dietary supplement label says “Kaneka Ubiquinol®.”

Final Thoughts on Ubiquinol Supplements & Statins 

If you have high cholesterol and your doctor prescribes you a statin, that’s great news for lowering your cholesterol. It is important to keep in mind that a statin can also lower your CoQ10 levels, in turn reducing the Ubiquinol in your blood. Ubiquinol is important in creating cellular energy that helps fuel your heart and other organs. However, as mentioned, even small decreases in Ubiquinol can disrupt the body’s ability to produce energy and lead to oxidative stress. That’s why  taking  a Ubiquinol supplement can be especially beneficial if you’re taking a statin.  

As always, if you are taking a statin or other prescription medication, we encourage you to speak with your doctor before taking a new supplement like Ubiquinol.