Statin Side Effects? Take CoQ10 for Sore Muscles

Q. I've been taking a CoQ10 supplement from a health food store. Recently, I switched to a drugstore brand and don’t feel as good. Why would this be?
-- Sharon M, via e-mail

A. Doses of CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) vary more than mortgage rates. Last March, ConsumerLab.com -- an independent supplement-testing group -- released its latest findings on CoQ10. The good part: All 31 brands tested actually contained CoQ10! Amazingly, this wasn't true 2 years ago. The crazy part: Doses varied from 22 mg to 400 mg, and some brands had "solubility enhancers" so you could absorb much more from the same dose. We recommend that you switch back to your original brand.

CoQ10 (also sold as ubiquinol) is a vitamin-like substance. You don't say why you're taking it, but it's known for reducing muscle soreness, and people often take 100 mg twice a day when they're taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, which can cause muscle aches. CoQ10 also lowers high blood pressure, and may prevent inflammatory damage to the brain, slow Alzheimer's, moderate Parkinson’s, minimize skin aging, and more.

That said, be sure your doc knows you're taking it. Studies aren't conclusive, and it can sometimes have adverse effects.

Try this remedy if powerful cholesterol drugs make your muscles sore.