Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like substance that plays a crucial role in the production of energy. It is made by our bodies and obtained in the diet, mainly in oily fish, organ meats and whole grains. In humans CoQ10, along with other enzymes supports the bodyʼs bio-energetic functions. The main function of CoQ10 is the manufacture of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is the basic energy molecule of cells. It is the fuel which keeps the mitochondria (most active part of the cell) working.

CoQ10 is a major antioxidant and has also been shown to assist heart function by enhancing pumping action and electrical function, as well as lowering blood pressure. It has a mild effect on the metabolic rate and is an immune stimulant. It also improves skeletal muscle by repairing mitochondrial damage. Blood and leg muscle content of CoQ10 is often low in chronic fatigue syndrome. The amount of CoQ10 present in our cells declines with age.

Cholesterol lowering drugs, collectively known as the statindrugs, lower cholesterol by blocking an enzyme known by the peculiar alphabetic conglomeration of, HMG CoA reductase. Unfortunately, this also reduces the bodyʼs own production of CoQ10. This of course can lead to fatigue.

In a study of fifty patients who were on statin drug therapy, adverse effects such as myalgia, fatigue, breathlessness, memory loss and peripheral neuropathy were observed. All 50 patients were advised to discontinue statin therapy and were put on supplemental CoQ10 at an average of 240mg day. The patients were followed for 22 months. Fatigue decreased from 84% to 16%; myalgia from 64% to 6%; dyspnoea from 58% to 12%; memory loss from 8% to 4% and peripheral neuropathy from 10% to 2%. No cases of stroke or myocardial infarctions were reported and measurements of heart function either improved or remained stable in the majority of patients despite the discontinuation of statin therapy.

Further good news is that a very recent study carried out by the head of the cardiac unit at Melbourneʼs Alfred Hospital which combined the results from 12 previous trials involving 362 patients, found that CoQ10 reduces systolic blood pressure (when the heart is contracting) by up to 17mm of mercury and cuts diastolic pressure (heart at rest) by up to 10mm. This translates into changing a hypertensive reading of 145/90 to a normal healthy reading of 127/80. (Trial reported in The Weekend Australian Health Report, February 24 2007)

It is essential for patients to take CoQ10 if they are also taking statin drugs. Even a brief exposure to statin drugs, two weeks, can cause a marked decrease in blood CoQ10 concentration. When used to offset the CoQ10 lowering effects of the statin drugs, 100mg daily is an effective dose.

It is interesting to also consider that there has been some speculation that statin drugs may also induce depression. By blocking the enzyme, HMG Co-A reductase, statins may reduce DHEA and testosterone levels, leading to depression. Indeed, it was rather sceptically noted in an article in the Journal of Complementary Medicinethat, ʻIs it just coincidence that the apotheosis of statins so closely matches the rise of antidepressants?ʼ