Why Ubiquinol is one super nutrient that can help millions of Americans better manage the unwanted side effects of cholesterol-lowering "statin" drugs

PASADENA, Texas, Sept. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- September is Cholesterol Awareness Month and it's important for Americans, especially those over the age of 40, to take note of this national awareness campaign because so many in our country are largely uninformed about cholesterol, how it works, why it can be so damaging to our health, and even what the treatment options are.  Moreover, for those who are informed about cholesterol treatment – and who may be taking statin medication to help lower their so-called "bad" cholesterol levels – they are unaware that there are simple, cost effective and safe ways, such as taking a Ubiquinol supplement, to better manage the unwanted side effects of these drugs.

Cholesterol is a fatty compound found in the fats in our blood.  Cholesterol is an important component of human health, but high levels in the blood are linked to risk of cardiovascular disease.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 71 million American adults, or 33.5% of American adults have high LDL, or "bad," cholesterol.  Because high cholesterol itself does not have any symptoms, many people don't know they have high cholesterol until their doctor diagnoses them. 

For many, a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol is a great first step to controlling cholesterol levels, as well as weight loss and a regular exercise regime which can increase the "good levels" (HDL) while lowering the bad LDL levels.  For those who need additional treatment, along with the above positive diet and lifestyle measures, physicians will sometimes also prescribe a cholesterol-lowering class of medications called "statins."

Statins are used to lower cholesterol levels and help prevent cardiovascular disease.  Statin drugs work by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme that produces cholesterol. While highly beneficial, taking these drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as muscle aches, spasms, fatigue and joint pain.  However, there is an easy, safe and often over-looked solution to help manage these side effects – and it's called Ubiquiniol.

Statin drugs can deplete your body of CoQ10 and Ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is the pre-converted form of CoQ10, produced naturally by our bodies.  But after the age of 40, the body's ability to produce CoQ10 and convert it into Ubiquinol is diminished.  And, maintaining optimal Ubiquinol levels is important for anyone looking to support cardiovascular, neurological and liver health and promote anti-aging. 

Luckily, Ubiquinol can be taken in supplement form to replace the levels lost by both the natural aging process and, in particular, through statin drug use.  Clinical research now supports that taking Ubiquinol may be highly beneficial for the millions of Americans using statins to combat high cholesterol by helping them specifically minimize the unwanted side effects of these drugs, including Myalgia.

"Statins are very effective in lowering cholesterol, but, they also reduce the availability of Ubiquinol, the natural form of coenzyme 10, in your heart," explained John Jarmul, Director of Marketing for Kaneka Nutrients, makers of Ubiquinol.  "In addition to increasing muscle aches and fatigue, statins also have been known to raise liver enzymes, possibly enhance nerve damage, and lead to a slight increased risk of diabetes. Taking Ubiquinol helps to restore CoQ10 levels that are diminished by these medications and may offer patients who are on statin drugs a safe, natural way to better tolerate these treatments."

Anyone taking or considering taking statins to help manage cholesterol should consult with their doctor about the specifics of their cholesterol treatment regime – and about taking a Ubiquinol supplement.  The Ubiquinol form of CoQ 10 (Ubiquinone) is widely available in supplement form at most drug and nutrient stores.  But while Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone are closely named, there is a major difference – and it is important to read labels carefully when looking for Ubiquinol in-store.  Ubiquinol or Ubiquinol CoQ 10 is pre-converted into a form that your body can readily absorb and use for the energy to keep your heart, neurological system, liver and other critical organs healthy and in optimal condition – and it is the preferred choice for statin side effect management.

About Kaneka

Ubiquinol is made exclusively in the USA by Kaneka, the leader in CoQ10 ingredients worldwide. Ubiquinol helps sustain the body's natural energy, protect cells from damage, slow the aging process, and promote the overall health of the heart and other vital organs.  It is the advanced form of CoQ10 that is more easily utilized in the body, especially for people with compromised immune systems or those over 40 years of age.  It is manufactured by Kaneka, the same company that commercialized the first CoQ10 more than 30 years ago as a prescription pharmaceutical in Japan.  For more information and the latest clinical research on Ubiquinol, please visit www.ubiquinol.org.

SOURCE Kaneka