TL;DR  

Statins lower CoQ10 and damage mitochondria, reducing cellular energy—especially in muscle and heart cells. Even without muscle pain, mitochondrial harm still occurs. In low-risk people, statins prevent less than 1 heart attack per 100 users over 5 years.

Statins and Cellular Energy

Statins (cholesterol lowering medication) harm the cell’s ability to produce energy. They damage the mitochondria, which are the power plants of the cell. The drugs interfere with the production of CoQ10, which protects the mitochondria and is vital for cellular energy [1]. Studies have shown this [2-8].

Why This Matters

This can affect cells that require a lot of energy–like muscle and heart cells. If severe enough, it can damage the cells. If the damage is severe enough, you can experience muscle pain (and possibly degeneration), or even heart failure.

Even if you do not experience these muscle symptoms, the mitochodria are still being damaged by the drugs. One way to mitigate this damage is to take CoQ10 (read our article about CoQ10 and heart failure).

Are Statins Worth It?

When 100 people without prior heart attack take a statin for 5 years in a low-risk setting, fewer than 1 (≈0.9) of them will avoid a heart attack — meaning a ~1% absolute risk reduction. That is a pretty poor result. Drug companies tout the “relative reduction”. Ir may look large (for example “30% lower risk”), but the real absolute number is small and must be weighed against other factors [9].

Bottom Line

If your doctor wants you to take these drugs, have a serious discussion with him or her.

FAQ

Do statins always damage mitochondria?

Research shows statins lower CoQ10 and disrupt mitochondrial energy production, even in people who do not feel muscle symptoms.

Why does CoQ10 matter?

CoQ10 is essential for mitochondrial energy. Low levels can weaken muscle and heart cells.

If statins help lower cholesterol, why worry?

In low-risk people, the absolute benefit is very small—<1% reduction in heart attack risk over 5 years.

Can CoQ10 help?

Animal studies show CoQ10 can reverse statin-related mitochondrial dysfunction. Human results are mixed, so discuss it with doctors trained in natural healthcare.

Should I stop my medication?

This content is educational only. Never stop a medication without working with your doctor.

 

  1. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2004 Mar 1;423(1):47-56. Antioxidant and prooxidant properties of mitochondrial Coenzyme Q
  2. Journal of Applied Physiology (August 1, 2012 113:479-486) Coenzyme Q10 reverses mitochondrial dysfunction in atorvastatin-treated mice and increases exercise endurance
  3. Ochsner J. 2010 Spring;10(1):16-21 Coenzyme q10 and statin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction
  4. Eur Heart J. 2012 Jun;33(11):1397-407 Opposite effects of statins on mitochondria of cardiac and skeletal muscles: a ‘mitohormesis’ mechanism involving reactive oxygen species and PGC-1
  5.  Antioxidants & Redox Signaling Vol 24, no. 2 Statins Trigger Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced Apoptosis in Glycolytic Skeletal Muscle
  6. Farmacja Polska, ISSN 0014-8261 (print); ISSN 2544-8552 (on-line) The effect of statins on mitochondria – current state of knowledge
  7. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle 29 January 2021 Effects of statins on mitochondrial pathways
  8. Bell, G, Thoma, A, Hargreaves, IP and Lightfoot, AP The Role of Mitochondria in Statin-Induced Myopathy https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/22822/
  9. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(9):online Statins in Persons at Low Risk of Cardiovascular Disease