One of the most important nutrients in the body is Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is involved in the electron transport chain as well as playing a role in endothelial function. As of late, the medical literature has shown that statin medications like Lipitor, Crestor, and Zecor shut down the production of CoQ10. 

Why Do We Need CoQ10 

As mentioned, CoQ10 is needed for many biochemical reactions throughout the body. However, one of the most important factors to realize is that when CoQ10 is depleted in the body we have adverse reactions like the LDL cholesterol becoming oxidized. This event unleashes further destruction to the body and results in the LDL cholesterol drilling holes in the arterial wall, causing extreme inflammation. Inflammation is directly linked to chronic health conditions as well as an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke. 

CoQ10 Deficiency  

If a doctor is to prescribe a statin drug, it should be mandatory for the patient to be on CoQ10 as well. Without taking a CoQ10 supplement while on a statin drug there is a larger risk for patient death. Individuals that are deficient in CoQ10 should know that they are at an increased risk for:

• fatal cardiomyopathy
• heart attack
• congestive heart failure
• exhaustion
• cancer
• myopathy
• depression resistant to antidepressants
• high blood pressure
• gum disease and tooth loss
• hair loss
• liver disease
• sudden complete memory loss
• cataracts
• angina
• folic acid deficiency
• damaged cell membranes

Inflammation

Inflammation is the silent killer. When the body has a lack of an essential enzyme such as CoQ10, inflammation drives us. This is the underlying cause of many diseases known today. Inflammation not only affects the joints and causing discomfort and swelling, but it affects the organs as well. One of the main body systems that is prone to inflammation is the gastrointestinal tract. With the tight junctions becoming inflamed, our health begins to unravel, leaving our immune system to go haywire. From here we see increases in food sensitivities and proteins, along with other nutrients, seeping back into the bloodstream. Without these nutrients being properly absorbed and broken down, the body is missing out on more CoQ10. This vicious cycle needs to be stoped and practitioners need to realize the life-altering effects of prescribing a statin drug without a CoQ10 supplement alongside. A specific test we use to measure our patient’s CoQ10 levels along with other essential micronutrients the body needs to properly carry out daily functions is the Micronutrient test from SpectraCell. A sample of this test can be viewed below: 

It is highly recommended and important to understand what is occurring in your body and the systems. Additionally, you should always research and look for further information when it comes to a prescription drug or supplement. 

People need to understand that prescription drugs often come with a long list of side effects. These side effects should be considered and not brushed off because “that won’t happen to me”. Make sure you take daily steps to reduce your bodys total inflammation and ensure you are receiving the right amount of micronutrients to be at your optimal health. -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach 

References: 

Turunen, Mikael, et al. “Metabolism and Function of Coenzyme Q.” Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Biomembranes, Elsevier, 5 Dec. 2003, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005273603003717.

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