Cholesterol-lowering medicines, especially statins, are widely prescribed because they can substantially reduce LDL cholesterol and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people who need them.
But claims that statins routinely cause several “serious nutritional deficiencies” deserve a closer look. The evidence is much stronger for some nutrient-related effects than for others, and people should not stop prescribed cholesterol medication or start high-dose supplements without medical guidance.
Here are four nutrients commonly mentioned in connection with cholesterol-lowering treatment—and what the evidence actually shows.
1. Coenzyme Q10 May Decrease With Statin Use
