Co-enzyme Q10 can be affected by cholesterol-lowering drugs

If your blood cholesterol is higher than normal you may be prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication to help reduce it to a healthier level. Cholesterol is naturally found in your body but when it builds up in your bloodstream it increases your risk of heart disease by making it more likely to deposit in artery walls, thicken them and interfere with blood flow.

Cholesterol-lowering medication reduces the amount of cholesterol in your blood by blocking a key enzyme that makes cholesterol. Unfortunately, this enzyme also makes co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and taking the medication will reduce your capacity for CoQ10 production.

Ironically CoQ10 helps improve cardiovascular health. It’s also needed for energy production, muscle function and antioxidant protection and, as there is very little CoQ10 in food, your main source is producing it in your body. If you take cholesterol-lowering medication, a CoQ10 supplement can help compensate for the blocking effect and help maintain your body levels of this vital nutrient.