CoQ10 and Statin Drugs Are You At Risk?

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is a molecule that assists the 3 largest enzyme systems in our body. These enzyme systems are responsible for 90% of the energy that is produced within our cells. Since the heart muscle uses the most energy in our bodies, it is also contains the highest concentration of CoQ10 and is the most dependent on it.

Coenzyme Q10 and Congestive Heart Failure

coq10 bp checkThere is a direct relationship between patients with congestive heart failure and a deficiency of CoQ10.

Congestive heart failure is a weakness of the heart that leads to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and surrounding body tissues, like your liver, lungs, intestine lining, and lower legs and feet.

In a six year study with 126 patients, it was observed that supplementation with CoQ10 reduced the number of deaths from congestive heart failure by a third. The patients were followed very closely and CoQ10 levels and heart function were checked every 3 months.

During this study, it became known that cholesterol lowering drugs known as statins had a negative effect on CoQ10 levels. Five of the patients started on lovastatin during this study and all five had a significant decline in their heart function. Two of these five patients became critically ill and one needed a heart transplant.

Cholesterol and Heart Disease

statinsThe importance of lowering cholesterol has been pushed so aggressively that many people have been put on statin drugs. Statin drugs show some benefit in decreasing the amount of deaths in people that already have coronary artery disease. But has hugely increased the amount of CoQ10 deficiency in America.

Unfortunately, most people are unaware of how important CoQ10 is if you are taking a statin drug.

It is important however to get the right type. Part of the reason these studies have not caught on among doctors is that until recently it was very difficult to get it absorbed into your system. People that have the most advanced congestive heart failure also have the most difficult time absorbing the CoQ10 into their system.

So the typical CoQ10 as ubiquinone never really caught on because of it’s poor absorption.

A Better Type of CoQ10

ubiquinolKaneka Corporation of Japan has made a stable ubiquinol that is now 98-99% absorbed. Ubiquinol is different than ubiquinone, as it is a white powder that is less fat soluble, which gives it its better absorption.

Most supplements that are available are still the ubiquinone version. The recommended daily dosage of ubiquinone ranges from 100mg to 600mg

So it is important to look for the ubiquinol version, since it is better absorbed into the bloodstream. The recommended daily dosage of ubiquinol ranges from 100mg to 300mg.

Who should be taking it?

coQ10 group of peopleAs we age our levels tend to decrease and most people do not get enough from their diets (found in organ meats like heart, liver, and kidneys). So it is important that you find a good source, if you are over the age of 25.

One out of every 4 American’s is on a statin drug. If you fall into this category, it is very important to start supplementation right away.

CoQ10 is one of many ingredients in the Tikva product. You can learn more about it by clicking here

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