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Life Extension Newsletter
Meta-analysis affirms reduction in statin-associated muscle symptoms among individuals treated with CoQ10
A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials concluded that the addition of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to the diet significantly reduced statin-associated muscle symptoms, a potential side effect of this commonly prescribed class of drugs. These symptoms include muscle pain, cramps, weakness, stiffness and (less commonly) a condition characterized by muscle tissue breakdown.
Because CoQ10 is depleted by statin drugs, the addition of CoQ10 to a nutritional regimen has been suggested for statin users to protect against SAMS and other statin side effects. The current review and meta-analysis concluded that “Overall, a significant reduction in SAMS, measured as pain intensity, after CoQ10…was found.”
Coenzyme Q10 is a molecule that is made by the body and occurs in some foods. It is essential for the production of energy by the cells’ “power plants” known as mitochondria, yet declines during aging. “Mitochondrial dysfunction in muscle cells can lead to altered biochemical parameters,” authors Svenja Kovacic and colleagues at the University of Giessen explained. “In order to improve the mitochondrial function and to reduce SAMS…CoQ10 in statin-treated patients has been discussed for several years.
“The outcome of this meta-analysis highlights the potential of [CoQ10] as a safe and cost-effective option to minimize adverse effects of statin intake and to improve patients’ quality of life,” they concluded.
The meta-analysis included seven randomized, controlled trials that enrolled a total of 389 patients. Trial duration ranged from 30 to 90 days and daily CoQ10 doses ranged from 100 to 600 milligrams. Statin dosages administered in the trials ranged from 10 mg to 80 mg per day. The findings were reported on October 10, 2025, in the Journal of Nutritional Science.1
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Apply What You’ve Learned: Statins
- Statin drugs, including atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin, are prescribed to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. High serum or plasma LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and events that include heart attack and stroke.
- While statin drugs are effective at reducing LDL cholesterol and lowering the risk of premature mortality,2 they may be associated with side effects that include muscle pain, fatigue and other possible effects.
- Because statin drugs deplete CoQ10, many statin users add this nutrient to their nutritional regimens. This may help prevent or reduce statin-related muscle symptoms and enable the use of statins by individuals at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.3
- Cholesterol, including LDL and other lipoproteins, should be assessed annually as part of routine blood work. Practicing a healthy lifestyle, including engaging in regular physical activity, not smoking and consuming a diet that is low in saturated fats can help support healthy cholesterol levels.4 Nutrients and foods that support healthy cholesterol levels include amla, garlic, artichoke, pantethine (a vitamin B5 derivative) and more.5-8
References
- Kovacic S, Habicht SD, Eckert GP. Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on myopathy in statin-treated patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Nutr Sci. 2025 Oct 10:14:e72. doi: 10.1017/jns.2025.10043.
- Lu Y, Cheng Z, Zhao Y, et al. Efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with statins for coronary heart disease: A Bayesian network meta-analysis. Atherosclerosis. 2016 Nov:254:215-227. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.10.025.
- 3. Derosa G, D-Angelo A, Maffioli P. Coenzyme q10 liquid supplementation in dyslipidemic subjects with statin-related clinical symptoms: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2019 Oct 21:13:3647-3655. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S223153.
- Blood cholesterol causes and risk factors. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. National Institutes of Health. 2024 Apr 19. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/blood-cholesterol/causes Accessed 2025 Dec 9
- Esmaillzadeh A, Tahbaz F, Gaieni I, et al. Cholesterol-lowering effect of concentrated pomegranate juice consumption in type II diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2006 May;76(3):147-51. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831.76.3.147.
- Fu Z, Lv J, Gao X, et al. Effects of garlic supplementation on components of metabolic syndrome: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2023 Jul 22;23(1):260. doi: 10.1186/s12906-023-04038-0.
- Englisch W, Beckers C, Unkauf M, et al. Efficacy of Artichoke dry extract in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia. Arzneimittelforschung. 2000 Mar;50(3):260-5. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1300196.
- Rumberger JA, Napolitano J, Azumano I, et al. Pantethine, a derivative of vitamin B(5) used as a nutritional supplement, favorably alters low-density lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism in low- to moderate-cardiovascular risk North American subjects: a triple-blinded placebo and diet-controlled investigation. Nutr Res. 2011 Aug;31(8):608-15. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2011.08.001.
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