Coenzyme q10 liquid supplementation in dyslipidemic subjects with statin-related clinical symptoms: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

Introduction

Statin-associated myalgia occurs in about 1–3% of patients in the medical literature. Plasma CoQ10 levels are reduced in patients undergoing statin.

Objective

The primary outcome was the detection of clinical symptoms and the perception of pain evaluated throughout specific questionnaires. The secondary outcome was the variation in lipid profile and the variation in safety parameters.

Methods

We enrolled 60 Caucasian patients, intolerant to statins. During the run-in period, patients underwent a 1-month wash-out period during which statins were stopped. At the end of the wash-out period, if CPK and/or transaminases returned within an acceptable range, statins were re-introduced at half of the previously taken dose. After one month, patients were randomized to take either a liquid CoQ10 supplement or a placebo for three months at 100 mg/day.

Results

The Clinical Index Score for myalgia assessment was lower after 3 months with CoQ10, while it did not change with the placebo. The VAS score was lower after 3 months of CoQ10 supplementation, while no variation was recorded with the placebo. In the group treated with the dietary supplement, CoQ10 plasma concentrations were inversely correlated with CPK levels, Clinical Index Score absolute values, and VAS.

Conclusion

The addition of CoQ10 with half dosage statin in patients with previous intolerance to statins improves the perception of clinical symptoms such as asthenia, myalgia or pain.

Keywords:

• coenzyme Q10
• myalgia
• statins

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to all patients who participated the clinical trial. The authors did not receive any funding for carrying out the clinical study. The investigational products were provide by the manufacturer Giellepi S.p.A. (Italy) free of charge.

Author contributions

All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting or revising the article, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.