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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2014 Nov 6:20:2183-8.
doi: 10.12659/MSM.890777.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation decreases statin-related mild-to-moderate muscle symptoms: a randomized clinical study

Ajda Skarlovnik  1 , Miodrag Janić  1 , Mojca Lunder  1 , Martina Turk  1 , Mišo Šabovič  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation decreases statin-related mild-to-moderate muscle symptoms: a randomized clinical study

Ajda Skarlovnik et al. Med Sci Monit. .

Abstract

Background: Statin use is frequently associated with muscle-related symptoms. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation has yielded conflicting results in decreasing statin myopathy. Herein, we tested whether coenzyme Q10 supplementation could decrease statin-associated muscular pain in a specific group of patients with mild-to-moderate muscle symptoms.

Material/methods: Fifty patients treated with statins and reporting muscle pain were recruited. The Q10 group (n=25) received coenzyme Q10 supplementation over a period of 30 days (50 mg twice daily), and the control group (n=25) received placebo. The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) questionnaire was used and blood testing was performed at inclusion in the study and after 30 days of supplementation.

Results: The intensity of muscle pain, measured as the Pain Severity Score (PSS), in the Q10 group was reduced from 3.9±0.4 to 2.9±0.4 (P<0.001). The Pain Interference Score (PIS) after Q10 supplementation was reduced from 4.0±0.4 to 2.6±0.4 (P<0.001). In the placebo group, PSS and PIS did not change. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation decreased statin-related muscle symptoms in 75% of patients. The relative values of PSS and PIS significantly decreased (-33.1% and -40.3%, respectively) in the Q10 group compared to placebo group (both P<0.05). From baseline, no differences in liver and muscle enzymes or cholesterol values were found.

Conclusions: The present results show that coenzyme Q10 supplementation (50 mg twice daily) effectively reduced statin-related mild-to-moderate muscular symptoms, causing lower interference of statin-related muscular symptoms with daily activities.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(A) Pain Severity Score (PSS) and (B) Pain Interference Score (PIS) in placebo and Q10 groups before (Day 0, light blue columns) and after Q10 or placebo supplementation (Day 30, navy columns). All data expressed as means ±SEM. *** represents P<0.001 Day 0 vs. Day 30 in the Q10 group.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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