Does CoQ10 reduce cholesterol?

Published: September 7th, 2023

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Medications like statins are often prescribed to help lower cholesterol, but some people turn to natural options like CoQ10 instead. But can CoQ10 supplements actually reduce high cholesterol? Let's look at what the research says.

Contents:

An Introduction to Cholesterol
What is CoQ10?
Potential Mechanisms for CoQ10 and Cholesterol
What Does the Research Say? A Review of Studies on CoQ10 and Cholesterol
Can CoQ10 Lower High Cholesterol on Its Own?
Other Natural Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol
Lifestyle Changes That Can Reduce Cholesterol
Should You Take CoQ10 for High Cholesterol?
Does CoQ10 reduce cholesterol? Conclusion
Sources

Does CoQ10 reduce cholesterol?

An Introduction to Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all of the body's cells. Here are some key facts:

Produced naturally in the liver and obtained through certain foods.
Necessary for various functions like producing hormones, vitamin D and digestive enzymes.
Carried through the bloodstream by proteins called lipoproteins.
Too much cholesterol can build up on artery walls and increase risk of heart attack and stroke.
Total cholesterol levels of less than 200 mg/dL are considered desirable for most adults.
LDL or "bad" cholesterol should be under 100 mg/dL. HDL "good" cholesterol over 60 mg/dL.
High cholesterol usually has no signs and needs to be detected through a blood test.
Both lifestyle changes and medications can help lower high cholesterol.

Keeping cholesterol levels in a healthy range is important for heart health. This has prompted interest in supplements like CoQ10.

What is CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant compound produced naturally by the body that is involved in energy production.

Found concentrated in the heart, liver, kidneys and other organs with high energy needs.
Also obtained in small amounts through food sources like meat, fish, nuts and oils.
Available as a supplement touted to provide health benefits, especially for heart conditions.
Requires proper absorption with fat for effectiveness. Often in oil-based softgel capsules.
No official recommended daily allowance established. Doses from 30mg to 300mg used in studies.
Considered safe for general use at moderate dosages, with few side effects.

Some early evidence suggests CoQ10 may have benefits for cholesterol profiles and heart health. But what does the research show?

Potential Mechanisms for CoQ10 and Cholesterol

There are a few proposed ways CoQ10 supplementation could help regulate cholesterol levels:

Increasing HDL - CoQ10 may raise levels of "good" HDL cholesterol that removes excess cholesterol.
Lowering oxidized LDL - CoQ10's antioxidant effects may inhibit LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized and deposited in arteries.
Reduced cholesterol synthesis - Animal studies show CoQ10 may be able to reduce hepatic synthesis of cholesterol.
Anti-inflammatory effects - CoQ10 may decrease inflammatory factors involved in the atherosclerotic process.
Improved endothelial function - CoQ10 may benefit the endothelium and vascular system to aid circulation.

However, there is still limited evidence on these potential mechanisms from human clinical trials. More robust studies are needed.

What Does the Research Say? A Review of Studies on CoQ10 and Cholesterol

Here is a summary of key scientific studies investigating the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on cholesterol levels:

A 1993 double-blind study found 100mg of CoQ10 daily significantly lowered total and LDL cholesterol compared to placebo after 4 weeks. Effects plateaued after 8 weeks. Study link.
A 2015 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found CoQ10 modestly but significantly reduces LDL and total cholesterol without major adverse effects. Greater effects with higher doses and longer treatments. Study link.
CoQ10 at 150mg twice daily for 12 weeks was observed to reduce oxidized LDL and increase HDL with no changes to total or LDL cholesterol in one trial. Study link.
Several other small studies show variable effects of CoQ10 on cholesterol markers, with some showing minimal or no effect on total, LDL or HDL cholesterol. Study 1, Study 2.
In rodent studies, CoQ10 inhibited cholesterol synthesis. However, human trials show inconsistent effects on cholesterol production. Review.

Overall, the research evidence remains heterogeneous. While a cholesterol lowering effect is biologically plausible, more extensive data from large robust clinical trials is still needed.

Can CoQ10 Lower High Cholesterol on Its Own?

Based on current evidence, CoQ10 supplementation on its own appears to provide mild to moderate cholesterol lowering effects at best in some hyperlipidemic patients.

However, there are caveats:

Effects seem to depend on the initial cholesterol levels, with greater reductions in those with high baseline cholesterol.
Doses under 100mg showed minimal benefits. Positive results more consistent at longer treatments of 100-200mg.
CoQ10 appears to have greater effect lowering LDL than raising HDL. Impacts on HDL are inconsistent.
Benefits on total and LDL cholesterol tend to be modest compared to leading prescription statin drugs.
The extent of long-term sustained reductions, optimal dosing, safety and side effects requires more research.
Those already on cholesterol medications should not replace them with CoQ10 without medical guidance.

For people with mildly elevated cholesterol, CoQ10 may potentially provide added support - but not replace other conventional medical therapies. Monitoring with your doctor is advised.

Other Natural Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol

Some other natural supplements proposed to help lower cholesterol include:

Fish oil - Provides omega-3s EPA and DHA that can reduce elevated triglycerides and raise HDL. Also may lower LDL.
Psyllium husk - Source of soluble fiber that can help lower LDL cholesterol.
Garlic - Shown to modestly lower total and LDL cholesterol in some studies. Needs high doses.
Curcumin - Bioactive in turmeric may decrease LDL and raise HDL based on early findings.
Plant sterols - Naturally found in vegetables oils, nuts and seeds. Can block absorption of cholesterol.
Red yeast rice - Contains monacolins that work similar to statins to lower cholesterol.

However, the effects are generally small or inconsistent. Strong evidence is lacking for most natural supplements, unlike cholesterol medications.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Reduce Cholesterol

In addition to CoQ10 or other supplements, making certain diet and lifestyle changes can directly lower high cholesterol:

Losing excess weight if overweight or obese. Even moderate weight loss can improve cholesterol.
Eating a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Replace unhealthy fats with plant-based sources like olive oil.
Increasing soluble fiber intake through foods like oatmeal, beans, apples and chia seeds.
Doing regular aerobic exercise such as brisk walking 30+ minutes daily.
Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol intake.
Reducing stress through yoga, meditation or mindfulness practices.
For women, optimizing cholesterol before and after menopause.

Work closely with your doctor or dietitian to create a personalized plan to safely lower high cholesterol through proven lifestyle measures.

Should You Take CoQ10 for High Cholesterol?

Talk to your doctor before starting CoQ10 or any supplement, especially if you take prescription cholesterol medications.

CoQ10 may provide moderate cholesterol-lowering effects for some individuals with elevated lipid levels. However:

It should not replace first-line medical therapies prescribed by your doctor.
Effects are likely modest compared to leading cholesterol drugs.
Higher doses above 200mg may increase side effect risks.
Monitor your cholesterol to assess individual response and adjust therapy accordingly.
Makes an appropriate addition, not substitute, to lifestyle approaches.

CoQ10 supplementation could provide added support for high cholesterol according to some studies. But consult your physician to determine if it may be appropriate for your individual situation.