Coenzyme Q10 may improve heart health of diabetics on statins

Supplements of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may increase the vascular health of diabetics receiving statins.

In a randomized controlled trial, 23 statin-treated type 2 diabetic patients with endothelial dysfunction received either CoQ10 (200mg per day) or placebo (1). Following 12 weeks of supplementation with CoQ10 an improvement in the blood flow was observed.

The researchers commented that the absolute improvement in blood flow in the arms of 1% of those given CoQ10 supplementation may potentially translate to a 10–25% reduction in residual cardiovascular risk in these patients.

It is well known that cholesterol-lowering drugs of the statin class deplete the body’s natural stores of CoQ10. The new findings indicate that in addition to redressing the balance of CoQ10,, supplementation may also improve endothelial dysfunction in statin-treated type 2 diabetic patients.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are over 245 million people with diabetes worldwide. If current trends continue, this number will rise to a staggering 380 million by 2030. Current costs of diabetic complications are estimated to account for 5–10% of total global healthcare spending.

1. Hamilton S. J. et al. Coenzyme Q10 improves endothelial dysfunction in statin-treated type-2 diabetic patients. Diabetes Care, 2009; 32(5): 810–812.