CoQ10 for Statin-Induced Myopathy: A Meta-Analysis
Banach M, Serban C, Sahebkar A, et al
Mayo Clinic Proceedings • September 2015
Plain Language Summary
Many people experience muscle pain and weakness from statin cholesterol medications. This analysis found that CoQ10 supplements (100-200mg daily) can help reduce these muscle symptoms. This makes sense because statins reduce CoQ10 production in the body. Taking CoQ10 may allow people to continue their statin therapy with fewer side effects. It’s a simple intervention that may improve quality of life for statin users.
Key Findings
- 1CoQ10 significantly reduced muscle pain severity
- 2Muscle weakness improved in treated patients
- 3Effects seen with doses of 100-200mg daily
- 4Creatine kinase levels showed improvement trend
- 5Better toleration of statin therapy with CoQ10
Abstract
This meta-analysis examined the efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation for reducing statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). The analysis included randomized controlled trials of patients experiencing myopathy while taking statin medications.
Study Limitations
- Small number of eligible trials
- Heterogeneous study populations
- Varying doses and formulations
- Short study durations