DEAR READER:
Lipitor has been connected with severe leg cramps and pain that can appear anywhere in the body, but most commonly in the calf muscles that are used so often.

Co-Q10 is a naturally occurring enzyme in the body. Reports have revealed a deficiency of more than 50% in less than a month by those patients on Lipitor. The deficiency causes pain. Therefore, I recommend you purchase Co-Q10 over-the-counter and continue the reduced dose of Lipitor. Bring my recommendation to your physician’s attention for an opinion.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Understanding Cholesterol”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

I, personally, have had many patients better tolerate statins when given co-enzyme Q10 as well. Please pass this on to your readers and other physicians.

DEAR DOCTOR: Thank you for writing and informing me of this finding. I have received a few sporadic letters regarding administration of CO-Q10 with statins as well as stating some studies have seen depletion during statin therapy. Yours was one of the only that included a reference.

Given this information, I feel I must now recommend that individuals taking statins talk to their physicians about the possibility of adding the enzyme supplement, especially if they are experiencing aching muscles and joints. I must also point out here, that if these symptoms continue to worsen or do not respond to the additional CO-Q10, then it is time to consider non-statin cholesterol reducers.

I discussed this with my doctor who had no objection to my taking the supplement so I started taking 100 mg twice a day (morning and night). For whatever reason I have had absolutely no side effects from the statin medication which has brought my cholesterol back to normal limits.

I am a retired registered nurse and an avid reader of your column, especially of what may concern me!

DEAR READER:
Unless you were experiencing side effects that were relieved by the Co-Q10 there is no evidence that this supplement was beneficial to you. You may simply be one of the vast majority of individuals who don’t experience side effects from statin therapy.

That being said, while I have no personal experience with coenzyme Q10 eliminating statin side effects, I have received a few letters from individuals who claim that it relieved their aching muscles.

I am unaware of any reports that show a relation between statin use and depletion of co-Q10 but the supplement is harmless and may be of benefit to some. If you feel you have avoided side effects from your cholesterol-lowering therapy by using it, then continue to do so.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Understanding Cholesterol”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR READER:
Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that results from the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical substance that transmits nerve impulses. Dopamine is essential for normal functioning of the central nervous system. When the neurons that produce dopamine die, that part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement malfunctions and leads to tremor, rigidity, lack of coordination, sleep disturbances, difficulties with movement, and more.

Recent studies performed on mice have been extremely promising, revealing that the damaged area of the brain in Parkinson’s patients can be protected by slowing the progression of the disease with the use of co-enzyme Q10. It should be noted, however, that larger studies and double blind studies on humans must be coordinated to determine the validation of such results.

From what I can determine, this product is effective in working to lower cholesterol levels and also appears effective in slowing the progress of symptoms. Speak with your neurologist regarding his views and recommendations for this supplement. If he is in agreement and you continue to experience positive results, I suggest you stick with it.

This is a good time for me to clarify something I said in a past column regarding Parkinson’s disease. When discussing advancement of the disease, I indicated that some people are blessed with a complete cure within months. What I should have stated was that some people go into remission without advance of symptoms, giving the appearance of a “complete cure”. I apologize for misleading my readers.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Parkinson’s Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.