Οmega-3 Fatty Acids and Coenzyme Q10 to Statin Therapy
Addition of omega-3 fatty acid and coenzyme Q10 to statin therapy in patients with combined dyslipidemia
In the Journal of Basic Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology in 2018, the results of a randomized, double-blind trial were published which found benefit by the addition of omega-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to the treatment of adults who received statins and had impaired lipids and increased triglycerides as well.
Statins represent a group of drugs that are currently indicated in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Their administration can be associated with side effects and the insufficient reduction of triacylglyceride (TAG) levels. This study aimed to assess the effect of the triple combination of statins with omega-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on parameters associated with atherogenesis and statin side effects.
The study included men and women taking statins for at least 6 months. Participants were divided into groups receiving 2.52 grams of omega-3 fatty acid daily, 2.52 grams of omega-3 fatty acids plus 200 milligrams of CoQ10 or no additional supplements.
Blood pressure, lipids, fasting glucose, liver enzyme values, antioxidant enzymes and inflammation markers (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6) were evaluated before and after the three-month treatment period.
At the end of three months, hepatic enzyme activity, systolic blood pressure, inflammatory markers and triglyceride levels were lower in both groups receiving supplemental nutrients compared to the statin-only group.
At the same time, antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase were higher in the supplementation groups.
Compared to those who received statins plus omega 3 fatty acids, people taking Fatty Acids and CoQ10 showed reduced blood pressure, total cholesterol and LDL and inflammation markers.
Participants who received CoQ10 also had fewer side effects related to statin therapy, including myalgia, muscle weakness and muscle cramps, compared to those who received statins plus omega 3 or statins alone.
Our trials have shown that the triple combination (combination of CoQ10 and omega-3 PUFA with statins) should have a protective effect higher than the double combination and could mitigate the muscular side effects of statin therapy. "
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