By Christine Cheng, R.Ph.
Q: I heard that certain nutrients may be depleted if I take cholesterol-lowering drugs. What should I do?
A: The group of cholesterol lowering agents called “Statins” (e.g. atorvastatin, simavastatin) can potentially lower the intracellular concentration of Co-enzyme Q-10, which is an essential factor in the production of energy in the body. This is important especially for the heart, the liver, the brain, muscles and the kidney. Muscle pains and even myopathy are known complications of Statin therapy. For some, the benefits of statin therapy outweigh the adverse effect of muscle pains and CoQ10 supplementation may offset this discomfort. INNOVITE, a Canadian supplement company has created unique ways of enhancing the absorption of this rather large molecule to ensure its benefits are felt.
