Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a naturally occurring compound involved in cellular energy production.
Statins block an enzyme involved in cholesterol production. That same biochemical pathway also contributes to the body’s production of CoQ10. Research summarized by the National Institutes of Health indicates that statin treatment can reduce circulating CoQ10 concentrations.
This is one reason CoQ10 is often discussed when people experience muscle aches while taking statins.
Possible symptoms associated with statin treatment can include:
- Muscle aching
- Muscle tenderness
- Weakness
- Fatigue
However, lower blood levels of CoQ10 do not automatically mean that someone has a clinically important CoQ10 deficiency.
