Locations:
Search IconSearch

Can a CoQ10 Supplement Help If I’m Taking a Statin?

The Short Answer from a cardiologist

CoQ10

This a question that I get in my clinic a lot. CoQ10 is a co-enzyme that may be related to muscle damage. There were some studies that showed that replacing the co-enzyme could reduce the risk of muscle damage when you’re on a statin, but most studies have shown that is not the case.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

In large meta-analyses, there has not been shown to be a benefit when you take CoQ10 pills. Because of that, I say if you’re not already taking these supplements, I don’t recommend that you start taking them. But if you’re taking them and you feel that it helps, there’s no harm from staying on them.

— Preventive cardiologist Haitham Ahmed, MD, MPH

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Tan tablets pouring from bottle into a hand
December 24, 2024/Sleep
Does Magnesium Help You Sleep Better?

Research is limited on whether the supplement can help you snooze, and there may be better options

Person lying in bed on their side at night with their eyes open
December 17, 2024/Primary Care
Prednisone Side Effects and How To Feel Better When Taking Steroids

Like any medication, prednisone can come with side effects — for best results, take it with food in the morning and work with your provider to get the dosage right

Hands selecting medicine from shelves of medicines
December 4, 2024/Primary Care
How Do Medicines Get Their Names?

Drugmakers put a lot of effort and resources into finding the right name for generic and brand medications

Wooden spoonful of activated charcoal tablets and capsules, and small dish of loose activated charcoal
December 2, 2024/Digestive
Should You Take Activated Charcoal for a Stomach Bug (or Any Other Reason)?

Charcoal pills are used in certain emergency room settings but aren’t recommended for home use

Hands holding two different kinds of pain medications separated by a white line
November 29, 2024/Primary Care
Can You Take Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Together?

You can alternate these OTCs to help with pain management and fever reduction

Adding spoonful of allulose to mug of coffee
November 4, 2024/Nutrition
What You Need To Know About Allulose

Although allulose is an FDA-approved sugar substitute, more research is needed to understand its safety

Sources of vitamin D, including foods like fish and dairy, sunshine and supplements
October 25, 2024/Nutrition
What Does Vitamin D Do?

The benefits of vitamin D include stronger bones, a hardier immune system and better overall health

Palm of hand holding two capsules
October 14, 2024/Digestive
Is Acetaminophen Safe To Take When You’re Drinking?

The answer depends on both dosage and drinking habits

Trending Topics

Person sitting on floor at night next to bed in deep thought, with partner sleeping in bed
Understanding Mental Load: What It Is and How It Affects You

When you get bogged down with mental tasks, you can experience mood changes, sleeplessness and more

Hands holding two different kinds of pain medications separated by a white line
Can You Take Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Together?

You can alternate these OTCs to help with pain management and fever reduction

Smiling person with headphones on, sweeping floor in living room
Understanding Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT Exercise)

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis is all the activity we do that’s not technically exercise but is still important to your health and well-being

Ad