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Type 2 Diabetes - How Do Statins and Diabetic Medications Affect Your Levels of CoQ10?

Wednesday, May 21, 2014 4:33:00 AM Posted by Diabetes

By Beverleigh H Piepers

The Linus Pauling Institute states that coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble chemical compound which may be produced within your body, or may be ingested through your diet. In most cases, the endogenous production of co-enzyme Q10 and your diet is sufficient to meet the demands and needs of your body. However, there are special cases that may result in the decreased supply and level of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

The mitochondria of your cells is where energy is produced and it is here the most CoQ10 is contained. Powering up your cells' generators, the mitochondria, can:

* help you burn fat
* improve your cholesterol ratios
* raise your energy, and
* improve your thyroid and pancreatic function

Coenzyme Q10:

* serves as a very important compound that facilitates the production of adenosine triphosphate, the basic unit of energy within the mitochondria, the energy factory within each cell. Basic body processes and other body functions such as muscle contraction and production of body proteins require the presence of adenosine triphosphate
* may also act as an antioxidant. Antioxidants block the effect of free radicals, the active chemical compounds that may damage cell membranes, tamper gene coding within your cells and in worst cases, may even cause premature cell death. Free radicals are natural by-products of metabolism within the body. However, these harmful substances may also come from other sources such as environmental pollution, cigarette smoking, ionizing radiations and even inflammation
* is also important in boosting your body's energy. And it also plays a role in enhancing the body's immune system activity

Do statins lower the level of CoQ10?

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, statins... a group of anti-cholesterol medications, may decrease the levels of this very important antioxidant. The most common examples of statins include:

* atorvastatin (Lipitor)
* simvastatin (Zocor), and
* rosuvastatin (Crestor)

Statins are a group of special medications that decrease the level of blood cholesterol by inhibiting its synthesis. However, statins may also inhibit the production of coenzyme Q10 during this process.

Your blood sugar may also go up because of your cholesterol medication.

Can anti-diabetic medications also lower your body's supply of co-enzyme Q10?

The University of Maryland Medical Center confirms sulfonylureas, a group of antidiabetic medications, may decrease the supply of co-enzyme Q10. The examples of sulfonylureas include glipizide (Glucotrol), gliclazide (GenRx Gliclazide), and glimeperide (Amaryl). With the long-term use of these medications, the levels of CoQ10 also becomes chronically depleted resulting in an increased risk for heart problems and hypertension. Other symptoms that may result from a coenzyme Q10 deficiency include:

* gingivitis
* decreased activity of the immune system, and
* muscle pains and weakness

To correct a CoQ10 deficiency resulting from the intake of these medications, supplementation may be necessary according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Product labels will show ubiquinone, CoQ10, or coenzyme Q10... they are all exactly the same nutrient.

Dietary sources of CoQ10 include: sardines, mackerel, beef heart and liver, lamb, pork, and eggs. Vegetables include spinach and broccoli. Nuts and whole grains are also sources.

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