A word on coenzyme Q-10

This is the perfect supplement to a statin prescription.

Statins such as Lipitor and Zocor (now generic simvastatin) are known to decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke in at risk persons such as diabetics or those with elevated cholesterol. They interfere, however, with energy production in muscle cells because they decrease the production of ubiquinone, aka coenzyme Q-10. CoQ10 is a key player in the process through which our cells make ATP, the high energy molecule that powers all our body machinery.

Statin takers can develop muscle pain similar to that which develops after vigorous exercise or with the flu. NYU investigators found that achey patients had a significant decrease in discomfort when they downed 100 mg of CoQ10 each day along with their statin pill compared to a group who took vitamin E instead.