Important medical note: This article discusses the biological relationship between statin medications and CoQ10 as explored in peer-reviewed research. It does not constitute medical advice. If you are taking statins and experience muscle discomfort or any other side effects, please consult your prescribing physician before making any changes to your medication or supplement regimen. Do not stop or adjust statin medication without medical guidance.
Background: statins and their mechanism of action
Statins are among the most widely prescribed medications in the world. They are effective at lowering LDL cholesterol and are used to manage cardiovascular risk in people for whom this is clinically indicated. Like all medications, statins can be associated with side effects in some individuals.
Some individuals taking statin medications report muscle discomfort — a concern that has been investigated in a number of clinical and observational studies. Research has explored potential biological mechanisms behind this experience, including the relationship between statin use and CoQ10.
The mevalonate pathway and CoQ10
Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the mevalonate pathway — a series of biochemical steps the liver uses to produce cholesterol. By inhibiting this pathway, statins reduce cholesterol synthesis.
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone) is a naturally occurring compound found in virtually every cell in the body. It is involved in the mitochondrial energy production process — the process by which cells generate ATP from nutrients. The body synthesises CoQ10 naturally, and it is also found in foods including meat, fish, and nuts. CoQ10 synthesis uses some of the same biochemical steps as cholesterol synthesis.
Because the mevalonate pathway is involved in both cholesterol and CoQ10 synthesis, researchers have investigated whether statin use may influence the body's natural CoQ10 production. A number of studies have measured CoQ10 levels in people taking statins and compared them with people not taking statins. Results have varied across studies and statin types.
Research by Deichmann et al. (2010), published in the Ochsner Journal, reviewed the evidence on statins and CoQ10 and suggested that CoQ10 supplementation may be worth considering for some statin users. Multiple subsequent studies have investigated this relationship further.
What research says about CoQ10 and statin users
Several randomised controlled trials have investigated CoQ10 supplementation in people taking statins who experience muscle discomfort:
- Zlatohlavek et al. (2012) found that CoQ10 supplementation (100mg/day) was associated with reduced muscle discomfort scores in statin users over 30 days in a randomised study.
- Banach et al. (2015), published in the American Journal of Cardiology, investigated CoQ10 effects on statin-associated muscle symptoms in a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- A meta-analysis published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2018) synthesised the available evidence on CoQ10 and statin-associated muscle symptoms.
The overall body of evidence is not entirely uniform — studies vary in design, population, CoQ10 dose, and outcome measures. The relationship between statin use, CoQ10, and muscle discomfort remains an active area of research.
CoQ10 supplementation does not affect the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of statin therapy and does not replace statin medication.
Choosing a CoQ10 supplement
CoQ10 is available in two primary forms: ubiquinone (the oxidised form) and ubiquinol (the reduced form). Both are found naturally in the body. CoQ10 is a large, fat-soluble molecule, and its oral bioavailability from standard capsule formulations is relatively low — research suggests standard CoQ10 capsules achieve around 5-10% absorption.
Liposomal CoQ10 addresses this by encapsulating the molecule in a phospholipid structure. A 2025 clinical trial (PMC12486408, n=18) found that liposomal CoQ10 achieved 31.3% higher Cmax and 22.6% higher AUC0-24h compared to standard CoQ10, indicating meaningfully higher plasma concentrations with liposomal delivery.
The PPH standard
PPH Liposomal CoQ10 contains 100mg of CoQ10 (as ubiquinone) per capsule, delivered via Advanced Dry Liposomal Technology. The dry format prevents oxidation and removes the need for chemical preservatives.
- 100mg CoQ10 (ubiquinone) per capsule
- Liposomal delivery higher plasma concentrations vs. standard capsules (PMC12486408, 2025)
- Stable dry format no oxidation, no preservatives, 36-month shelf life
- Plant-based HPMC capsule, soy-free, GMO-free
- Independently tested batch certificates publicly available
Conclusion and next step
The relationship between statin medications and CoQ10 is an area of ongoing scientific investigation. Research has explored the biological connection between the mevalonate pathway, statin use, and CoQ10 levels, and a number of studies have investigated CoQ10 supplementation in statin users who experience muscle discomfort.
If you take statins and are considering CoQ10 supplementation, discuss this with your prescribing physician first. They can advise based on your specific medication, dose, and health situation.
Explore PPH Liposomal CoQ10 here.
Your vitality is not optional — it is vital.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- Deichmann, R. et al. (2010). Coenzyme Q10 and Statin-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Ochsner Journal. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096178/
- Zlatohlavek, L. et al. (2012). The effect of coenzyme Q10 in statin myopathy. Neuroendocrinology Letters. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22592031/
- Banach, M. et al. (2015). The effects of Coenzyme Q10 on statin-induced myopathy. American Journal of Cardiology. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25817468/
- PMC12486408 (2025). Impact of liposomal delivery on CoQ10 absorption: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial.
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EU Register of authorised health claims. ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling-nutrition/nut
