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

Cleveland Clinic icon
Health Essentials logo
Subscription icon

Delivered every Tuesday!

Better health starts here

Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more

Cleveland Clinic icon
Health Essentials logo
Subscription icon

Evie's Test Subscription

It's a letter about the news!

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

preparing grapefruit for eating
December 30, 2020/Nutrition

Do Your Statins and Grapefruit Safely Mix?

Statins protect your heart by lowering "bad" cholesterol

elderly woman sitting on bed experiencing aches and pains
February 25, 2020/Heart Health

Statins Giving You Achy Muscles? Ask Your Doctor About These 4 Potential Fixes

Tips for minimizing statin side effects

Statin pills taking care of cholesterol problem
January 6, 2020/Heart Health

What You Should Expect From Statin Therapy

From benefits to side effects

close up of bottle of pills spilling onto table
January 24, 2024/Heart Health

Take Your Cholesterol Meds: Stopping Statins Can Cause Dangerous Side Effects

Stopping this critical medication on your own increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and more

A close-up of a pair of hands wearing pink nail polish holding their torso
April 26, 2021/Digestive

Digestive Enzymes 101: Why They’re Important

Find out how natural digestive enzymes work and why some digestive supplements don’t

Illustration of blood sample for cholesterol check
January 21, 2020/Heart Health

When Should I Start Having My Cholesterol Checked? (Hint: Probably Sooner Than You Think)

Regular screening is vital to understanding your heart risk

Required
March 31, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty

Rani duplicated post

Most recommended precautions center around minimizing bruising or swelling

Best time to drink coffee
March 25, 2025/Lung

Evie's Full Post

Test subtitle for a Post.

Trending Topics

Spoonful of farro salad with tomato

What To Eat If You’ve Been Diagnosed With Prediabetes

Type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable with these dietary changes

Mom checking on son's earache at home

3 Home Remedies for an Ear Infection

Applying a hot or cold compress can help with pain

woman snacking on raisins and nuts

52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad