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Note: The resources listed in this guide are not intended to be fully systematic or complete, nor does inclusion here imply any endorsement or recommendation by The University of Maryland or the Center for Integrative Medicine. The University of Maryland and the Center for Integrative Medicine make no warranties, express or implied, about the value or utility for any purpose of the information and resources contained herein.

Cholesterol-lowering medications - HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)

Medications:

Atorvastatin
- Lipitor
Fluvastatin
- Lescol
- Lescol XL
Lovastatin
- Mevacor
Pravastatin
- Pravachol
Simvastatin
- Zocor

Depletions:

Coenzyme Q10

A deficiency of the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 may be associated with long term conditions including heart disease and high blood pressure. Symptoms of deficiency include gingivitis, and weakened immune function. The major symptom of coenzyme Q10 depletion due to statin drugs include muscle aches and weakness.

Editorial Note:

The selected depletions information presented here identifies some of the nutrients that may be depleted by certain medications. The signs and symptoms associated with nutrient deficiency may also indicate conditions other than nutrient deficiency. If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms mentioned, it does not necessarily mean that you are nutrient deficient. Nutrient depletion depends upon a number of factors, including your medical history, diet, and lifestyle, as well as the length of time you have been taking the medication. Please consult your health care provider; he or she can best assess and address your individual health care needs and determine if you are at risk for nutrient depletions from these medications, as well as others not listed here.

Reviewed last on: 5/10/2010
Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed HealthCare Network.

Supporting Research

Bonakdar RA, Guarneri E. Coenzyme Q10. Am Fam Physician. 2005;72(6):1065-70.

Chu CS, Kou HS, Lee CJ, Lee KT, Chen SH, Voon WC, Sheu SH, Lai WT. Effect of atorvastatin withdrawal on circulating coenzyme Q10 concentration in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Biofactors. 2006;28(3-4):177-84.

Keith M, Mazer CD, Mikhail P, Jeejeebhoy F, Briet F, Errett L. Coenzyme Q10 in patients undergoing CABG: Effect of Statins and Nutritional Supplementation. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2008;18(2):105-11.

Littarru GP, Langsjoen P. Coenzyme Q10 and statins: biochemical and clinical implications. Mitochondrion. 2007;7 Suppl:S168-74.

Littarru GP, Tiano L. Bioenergetic and antioxidant properties of coenzyme Q10: recent developments. Mol Biotechnol. 2007;37(1):31-7.

Marcoff L, Thompson PD. The role of coenzyme Q10 in statin-associated myopathy: a systematic review. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;49(23):2231-7.

Mortensen SA, Leth A, Agner E, Rohde M. Dose-related decrease of serum coenzyme Q10 during treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Mol Aspects Med. 1997;18(Suppl):S137-S144.

Munkholm H, Hansen HH, Rasmussen K. Coenzyme Q10 treatment in serious heart failure. Biofactors. 1999;9(2-4):285-289.

Pepe S, Marasco SF, Haas SJ, Sheeran FL, Krum H, Rosenfeldt FL. Coenzyme Q10 in cardiovascular disease. Mitochondrion. 2007;7 Suppl:S154-67.

Pelton R, LaValle J, Hawkins EB, et al. Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook. Hudson, OH:LexiComp, Inc.;2001:451-454.

Powers HJ. Riboflavin (vitamin B-2) and health. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;77(6):1352-60.

Quinzii CM, Hirano M, DiMauro S. CoQ10 deficiency diseases in adults. Mitochondrion. 2007;7 Suppl:S122-6.

Watts GF, Castelluccio C, Rice-Evans C, et al. Plasma coenzyme Q (ubiquinone) concentrations in patients with simvastatin. J Clin Pathol. 1993;46(11):1055-1057.

Young AJ, Johnson S, Steffens DC, Doraiswamy PM. Coenzyme Q10: a review of its promise as a neuroprotectant. CNS Spectr. 2007;12(1):62-8.

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