CoQ10 is a vitamin-like substance that can help balance cholesterol and improve heart health. It's also used to treat muscle pain and weakness that can occur when taking statin drugs. CoQ10 works by repairing damage to cells caused by free radicals and other stressors in your body.

What is CoQ10?

CoQ10, also known as coenzyme Q10, Q10, ubiquinol, and ubiquinone, is a nutrient that's naturally produced in the body. It plays a role in energy production. For this reason, organs in the body with the highest energy needs, such as the heart, have the highest need for Q10.

CoQ10 supplements are often used to help balance high blood pressure and the side effects of statin medications, like muscle pain or weakness (myopathy). Interestingly, patients with heart disease, including high cholesterol, generally have low levels of CoQ10.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol is a leading cause of heart disease. High cholesterol is a fatty substance that builds up on your artery walls. It can make the arteries hard and narrow, which reduces blood flow to vital organs like the heart and brain. High cholesterol may also cause coronary artery disease, a condition that can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

Many factors contribute to the development of high cholesterol. These include:

Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to high cholesterol because they carry certain genes that affect how their bodies metabolize fats and other nutrients.
Age: As you get older, your body tends to produce more cholesterol, either because it slows down its natural production process or because you're no longer making as much bile (a fluid produced in the liver that helps digest fats). This is why most people develop higher levels of cholesterol by middle age or later.
Other factors: Many other factors can influence your cholesterol levels, such as your diet and nutrition. By eating a healthy diet low in saturated fats and sugars and high in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, you may be able to reduce your LDL-C levels.

Good vs Bad Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein).

HDL is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from the body. LDL can build up in the arteries, which can lead to plaque formation and eventually heart disease. It is particularly harmful because it is more likely to become oxidized by free radicals. Once it is oxidized, LDL cholesterol damages the arteries by causing lesions. This can lead to arterial blockages, which are major causes of heart disease and stroke.

Taking Statin Drugs for High Cholesterol

Statins are medications commonly prescribed for people with high cholesterol levels or other conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure that put them at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Although statins are effective in lowering cholesterol levels in patients with high blood pressure or heart disease, they block the production of energy in the mitochondria, thus reducing ATP and leading to a reduction in CoQ10.

If you are prescribed a statin drug for high cholesterol, the statin drug may cause side effects, including muscle pain and weakness. These symptoms have been shown to improve with the use of CoQ10.

In one study, patients suffering from muscle pain as a result of taking statins were treated with 100 milligrams of CoQ10 daily or vitamin E. On average, the group taking coenzyme Q10 reported a 40% reduction in pain severity and a 38% reduction in pain interference with daily activities.

Other statin drug side effects include muscle and joint pain, headaches, and stomach upset. More serious side effects include liver damage, diabetes mellitus, and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).

How CoQ10 Supports Healthy Cholesterol

Studies show that a CoQ10 can lower triglyceride levels while raising HDL cholesterol.

In the development of atherosclerosis, immune cells called monocytes are typically recruited to the blood vessel walls, where they contribute to arterial blockages. Supplementation with 200 milligrams per day of coenzyme Q10 for 10 weeks significantly decreased the expression of integrins by monocytes in 10 men and women. Although more research is needed, this finding suggests another potential mechanism for the inhibition of atherosclerosis by this nutrient.

Atherosclerosis also causes impairment in endothelial function. Endothelial cells line the arterial walls and are responsible for proper blood flow and vasilodation (dilation of blood vessels). One review looked at the results of five small RCTs (randomized controlled trials) in 194 subjects. Results showed that supplementing with 150 to 300 milligrams per day of coenzyme Q10 for 4 to 12 weeks improved endothelial dilation by 1.7% (which was considered clinically significant). Endothelial dilation helps to support better blood flow throughout your body.

Which Form of CoQ10 is Best for High Cholesterol?

CoQ10 is found in many foods like beef, chicken, and fish, as well as organ meats like liver. However, the amounts of coenzyme Q10 found in these foods are low, meaning that you would need to eat a lot of these foods to get a therapeutic dose of Q10. This is why CoQ10 supplements are taken.

However, there are two forms of coenzyme Q10: ubiquinone and ubiquinol.

Ubiquinone is the standard form of coenzyme Q10 available in supplement form. You'll find it in many different potencies. However, ubiquinone must be converted into ubiquinol before it becomes bioavailable, although this is harder for the body to do after age 40 or if you have health concerns like heart disease. If you're using CoQ10 therapeutically for supporting healthy cholesterol, you will get the most benefit from ubiquinol, which is the more bioavailable version of Q10.

For this reason, ubiquinol comes in lower doses. You can take half the dose of CoQ10 when using ubiquinol. For example, if you want 100 mg of CoQ10, you can take 50 mg of ubiquinol, although most practitioners recommend starting with 100 mg of ubiquinol.

Recommended Doses of CoQ10 for Cholesterol Support

The recommended dose of CoQ10 will depend on several factors, including your age, weight, and health status. Generally, doses of 300 milligrams of CoQ10 per day are recommended for people with high cholesterol. It is best to divide these doses throughout the day to enhance absorption.

Supplements to Combine With CoQ10 for Cholesterol

If you are taking CoQ10, it is important to also take vitamin D, omega-3 fish oil, vitamin E, and lutein.

CoQ10 FAQs

Is CoQ10 safe?

Yes, it is safe to take CoQ10. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important that you talk with your doctor before adding any new supplements to your diet.

Are there any drug interactions with CoQ10?

Yes, there are some drug interactions with CoQ10. If you are taking Warfarin, a blood thinner, it is important that you consult with your doctor before taking CoQ10.