The arguments for and against Co-enzyme Q10

[Der Biermeister]

I've searched the archives and there are dozens of postings on this topic. Both arguments, for and against the use of Co-Q10, seem "authoratative" when read, and quite frankly it all leaves me sitting on the fence.

I've also read where the use of statin drugs can seriously deplete the body's natural production of Co-Q10. Based on my last blood work -- one week ago -- I think I may be taking too much statins at this time. My cholesterol numbers are way too low -- all of them. My hemoglobin is still low too, at 10.6, so maybe this is contributing?

Prior to my surgery, I had checked with the surgeon's office on use of Co-Q10, and they said it would be ok. (Not that they truly believe in the claims made for the chemical -- I get the feeling they are neutral on the topic).

So -- if I were to fall off the fence, I think, right now, I'd come down on the side of taking the supplement - 150 mg/day. But I am still not sure -- and this from a guy who normally can make quick decisions

 

[Georgia]

Geesh, Der - you're not far enough out from ohs to be able to be decisive! Decisiveness is right up there with concentration and memory.

 

[tobagotwo]

If your cholesterol numbers are too low, you should seriously confront your cardiologist or GP about lowering the statin dosage. It can potentially damage your thinking processes. Your brain houses - and uses - more cholesterol than any other part of your body. While too much is not good, cholestrol is essential to memory production and many other functions of a healthy human organism.

That is independent of Coenzyme Q10 use.

Best wishes,

 

[Natanni]

Something I learned from our Tobagatwo was that CoQ10 doesn't always play nicely with beta blockers. Also if you go to the Mayo website and research CoQ, they offer a bit of info.

Good Luck. We hate cholesterol lower drugs. Nathan is on his 3rd month of trial with Zetia, and a moderate (not huge) diet change. Will keep you informed.

 

[Der Biermeister]

Something I learned from our Tobagatwo was that CoQ10 doesn't always play nicely with beta blockers.

Yes -- Now that you mention it, I remember reading that. And that complicates things for me, since I've been on a beta-blocker for a couple of months.

Still on the fence with taking the Co-Q10. (I haven't yet) -- I think I will wait and discuss this with my surgeon. But in the meantime, I am cutting back on my statin to one pill EVERY OTHER DAY. Since I only have five more days until my appointment, this action won't amount to much, but at least get me a head start if I am right.

 

[hensylee]

when I was having so much muscle cramping from statins, my cardio office suggested adding coQ-10. I tried it for a short time, but quit the Lipitor and never got a chance to see if it changed anything. The body produces CoQ-10 naturally so I don't know if we need to add any.

 

[tobagotwo]

I learned that from someone else here on the site, and later found it in assorted articles.

The reading I've done does indicate it may be helpful in situations where the body is producing too little Q10. Some very small percentage of extreme heart conditions fall into that category, and usually only temporarily. However, most people do not fall into that category at all.

My feeling is that for most of us, Coenzyme Q10 probably falls into the category of elephant repellent. However, if taken in reasonable quantities, it's doesn't seem to be harmful.

My concern is that when you receive it from outside sources, the body slows down its own manufacturing of it. If you stop taking it (or forget it while on vacation), your body goes through a slump of low production before it gears up to produce again. As such, if you're generally healthy, why would you create an external dependency on a drug that you don't need?


Best wishes,

 

[Der Biermeister]

I learned that from someone else here on the site, and later found it in assorted articles.

The reading I've done does indicate it may be helpful in situations where the body is producing too little Q10. Some very small percentage of extreme heart conditions fall into that category, and usually only temporarily. However, most people do not fall into that category at all.

My feeling is that for most of us, Coenzyme Q10 probably falls into the category of elephant repellent. However, if taken in reasonable quantities, it's doesn't seem to be harmful.

My concern is that when you receive it from outside sources, the body slows down its own manufacturing of it. If you stop taking it (or forget it while on vacation), your body goes through a slump of low production before it gears up to produce again. As such, if you're generally healthy, why would you create an external dependency on a drug that you don't need?


Best wishes,

Good points Bob! Especially the one about forgetting to take the supplement. Kind of like that thyroid medicine - once you are on it, you have to take it for life.