On Statins? Why CoQ10 May Do More Than Ease Muscle Pain Side Effects for Women Over 50
Find out what else the 'youth molecule' can do
Key Takeaways
- Statins can lower the body's CoQ10 levels, which may contribute to muscle aches.
- Doctors say CoQ10 may support heart health, energy production and healthy aging.
- Experts recommend talking with your doctor before adding CoQ10 to your statin routine.
If your doctor has prescribed a statin to help lower your cholesterol, you’re in good company — and you may have heard whispers about a supplement called CoQ10 that could make your medication work even better for you, especially if you’re dealing with side effects like muscle pain. Here’s what the experts say about CoQ10 and statins, why the pairing matters and how this “youth molecule” can support your heart, your energy and even your skin.
What statins do—and why they may leave you achy
Statins are prescription medications that lower cholesterol, helping reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They’re remarkably effective, but they can occasionally cause side effects, most notably soreness in large muscle groups like the shoulders, hips or knees, according to preventive cardiologist Elizabeth Klodas, MD.
The reason may come down to a nutrient called coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10. “CoQ10 is an antioxidant that plays an important role in energy production in the cells,” Dr. Klodas explains. It lives in the mitochondria—the tiny powerhouses inside our cells—where it helps neutralize the free radicals that energy production creates.
Woman's World Answers
Here’s the catch: Statins have been shown to deplete the body’s levels of CoQ10. “When cells produce excess free radicals that aren’t being neutralized because there isn’t enough CoQ10, this may lead to nanoscopic tissue damage, causing muscle pain,” Dr. Klodas says. The good news? The muscle pain side effect of statins is typically temporary—and there’s something simple you can do about it.
How CoQ10 eases statin-related muscle pain
Because the cholesterol-lowering meds can drain CoQ10, many cardiologists suggest statin users replenish their stores with a supplement. “Statins are known to deplete CoQ10 levels, so I do recommend it for people who are on a statin,” says preventive cardiologist Suzanne Steinbaum, DO, founder of Adesso. “It can prevent the side effect of muscle aches that certain people experience. Some evidence shows that at high doses, it can help with energy production and support heart function.”
Dr. Klodas is a bit more measured. “There are a couple of small studies that suggest people who take the supplement do have fewer muscle aches than people who don’t take it,” she says, adding that when you look at the totality of the data, “There’s probably a strong placebo effect, which is fine. There’s nothing wrong with the placebo effect, because if it helps alleviate symptoms that are counterproductive to your care, that’s awesome!”
How much CoQ10 should I take with statins?
There’s no official recommended dose, but experts land in a similar range. Dr. Klodas suggests 100 to 200 mg of CoQ10 daily to potentially help prevent muscle soreness. Dr. Steinbaum recommends 90 to 200 mg a day.
A few tips to get the most from your supplement:
- Choose ubiquinol. There are two forms of CoQ10: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Dr. Klodas notes ubiquinol is well absorbed by the body, while studies suggest ubiquinone doesn’t reliably raise CoQ10 levels in the bloodstream. Her rhyming reminder: “Leave ubiquinone alone.”
- Take it with food. CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so pairing it with a meal that includes healthy fats improves absorption, says Devon Golem, PhD, RD, LDN, founder of NuancedNutritionist.com.
- Look for third-party testing. Choose labels verified by NSF International, USP or ConsumerLab.
- Be patient. “Benefits accumulate over weeks to months, not days,” Golem says.
More CoQ10 benefits for women
Beyond easing statin side effects, CoQ10 supports the body in several impressive ways—especially for women over 50, whose natural levels of this nutrient decline with age.
- More energy. A 2022 Frontiers in Nutrition analysis of more than a dozen studies concluded that “CoQ10 is an effective and safe supplement for reducing fatigue symptoms.”
- A stronger heart. “CoQ10 is extraordinary for protecting the heart,” says integrative physician Jacob Teitelbaum, MD. “It prevents cholesterol from damaging the blood vessels. And CoQ10 dramatically improves heart muscle functioning.” The landmark Q-SYMBIO trial found CoQ10 supplementation reduced the risk of future cardiac events, hospitalizations and cardiovascular mortality in congestive heart failure patients.
- Glowing skin. CoQ10 “can penetrate skin cells and act as an antioxidant shield,” Golem says. Research suggests it may help reduce fine lines and improve smoothness.
- Brain and metabolism perks. Emerging research points to potential benefits for cognitive health, and a 2024 study in Obesities found that women with metabolic syndrome given CoQ10 experienced significant belly fat reductions.
The bottom line on CoQ10 and statins
Always talk to your doctor before adding CoQ10 to your routine, especially if you’re taking statins or other heart medications, as it can interact with blood thinners and certain other drugs. And remember: A supplement supports a heart-healthy lifestyle, it doesn’t replace one.
Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
