A letter published online in the June 11, 2012 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine found an association of moderate doses of simvastatin (Zocor) and prvastatin (Pravachol) and fatigue. This was the first randomized study to look at these effects, although observational studies have already found this to be the case. 1016 subjects with LDL levels of 115-190 m/dL were randomized to simvastatin 20 mg, pravastatin 40 mg, or placebo for 6 months. Results showed a significant adverse effect on energy and fatigue with exertion with statin use. These effects were more common in women than men. The fatigue is estimated to effect 20-40% of patients taking these drugs. It could also be more of an issue with the newer and more potent statins. These findings are no surprise to anyone practicing Functional Medicine. In Functional Medicine we make a point of understanding the physiology behind dysfunction and how drugs or nutrients and herbs affect the dysfunction. In the case of statins, they block the HMG CoA reductase enzyme, which is crucial in the synthesis of cholesterol, and is also crucial for the synthesis of other molecules, most notably Coenzyme Q-10 (ubiquinone) that is essential for energy (ATP) production. Anyone taking statins should be supplementing with Co-Q 10. It is a bit tricky finding a formula that is absorbed well, so talk to your Functional Medicine doctor about a good formula.
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