From Mary Shomon Your Thyroid Guide
Statin Drugs and Coenzyme Q10
May, 2001
by Mary Shomon
Note from Mary Shomon: Coenzyme Q-10 depletion is a key concern for thyroid patients. For more information on this, read my interview with Stephen Sinatra, M.D. Since many thyroid patients have problems with high cholesterol, and are taking the class of drugs known as "statins," (i.e., Lipitor, Zocor, etc.), patients should be aware of the potential risk of Coenzyme Q-10 depletion, and discuss it with their physicians. (For more information on diet, herbal and prescription ways to cope with thyroid-related high cholesterol levels, see: Combatting High Cholesterol.)
Bernd Wollschlaeger, MD is a board-certified family physician in North
Miami Beach who specializes in the application of herbal remedies and
nutritional supplements. Dr. Wollschlaeger is also the associate editor
of the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (JANA). His
office can be reached at: 305-940-8717. You can also visit his website
at www.complemed.com.
Dr. Wollschlaeger suggests that healthcare professionals need to be
attentive to the potential depletion of essential nutrients in patients
taking prescription medications for an extended period of time.
Specifically, there is concern that statins lower the levels of
Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10). A reduction in CoQ10 level may compromise
coronary atherosclerosis, even after a patient has reduced cholesterol
levels with statin drugs.
Since many thyroid patients have problems with high cholesterol, and are
taking the class of drugs known as "statins," (i.e., Lipitor, Zocor,
etc.), patients should be aware of the potential risk of Coenzyme Q-10
(CoQ10) depletion, and discuss it with their physicians.
More detailed information on Dr. Wollschlaeger's report and related
studies is featured online.
