Illness Is Optional Health Blog

By blocking this enzyme, the medication decreases the body’s internal production of cholesterol. Unfortunately, a well known and fairly common side effect is muscle pain and weakness that can often be debilitating. In addition to blocking the production of cholesterol, it is well known that these medications also block the production of important nutrients such as coenzyme Q10. We have known that a deficiency of coenzyme Q10 can lead to muscle pain and that supplementation can help to reverse this side effect. A recent study sheds light on another nutrient that is closely linked to muscle pain, vitamin D. We have known that vitamin D deficiency can cause both pain and weakness in the muscles, however, research had not linked vitamin D deficiency to muscle pain induced by cholesterol lowering medications…until now.

In a study of 621 patients who were prescribed statin medications, it was found that those who suffered with the muscle pain were significantly deficient in vitamin D. When the patients who suffered with muscle pain were supplemented with vitamin D, 92% of the patients saw resolution of their pain symptoms.
(Transl Res, 2009; 153(1): 11-6)

Dr. Ray’s Notes:

We have always known about statin’s impact on coenzyme Q10 levels and we commonly recommend coenzyme Q10 supplementation in those who take a statin medication. This study, may explain why some people continue to have pain even after supplementation with high doses of coenzyme Q10 and I am now beginning to recommend vitamin D supplementation for those who are taking statins. This makes perfect sense given the fact that your body produces vitamin D from, you guessed it, cholesterol. When cholesterol drops, it makes good sense that vitamin D levels may drop as well. In this study, the participants were placed on the prescription vitamin D at a dose of 50,000 iu weekly. I would recommend using a natural form of vitamin D on a daily basis rather than a synthetic form in high dose once weekly. For the general population I recommend 2,000 iu daily. If your blood is significantly deficient, you may require higher doses. Have your doctor order a blood test for 25-OH vitamin D with your next cholesterol test and to learn more about vitamin D, read our article 15 Facts You Must Know About Vitamin D.

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