Statins, CoQ10 and vitamin K2

 Harumi Okuyama is a pharmacist who believes in informed consent for patients. He has done extensive research on the problems created by statins and has concluded that these drugs stimulate atherosclerosis and promote heart failure. Damage accumulates in multiple pathways. In an interview Okuyama said, "I can propose no safe and effective means to protect from the side effects of statins. Instead, I recommend those taking statins to start discussing with their doctors that they replace their statins with safer omega-3 fatty acids." Among the problems associated with statins are the fact that they interfere with synthesis of vitamin K2 in the body. This vitamin plays a role in insulin function and testosterone production. Low levels of K2 increase death from all causes. Statins also inhibit the transport of selenium in the body. Deficiency of this mineral is associated with heart failure. Statins also interfere with the production of CoQ10 which is essential for the energy production which runs the heart. One can supplement with CoQ10, but statins also interfere with Heme A which also works in the mitochondria like CoQ10 in increasing energy supply. This researcher notes that most of the medical community is acting against his recommendations, but he notes that most physicians and pharmacists are too busy to research the biochemical pathways by which statins increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart failure.

Reference:

Okuyama, Harumi ,Statins stimulate atherosclerosis and heart failure: pharmacological mechanisms. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2015 Mar;8(2):189-99. 51028 (10/2015) 

Vitamin K and Antibiotics

     Vitamin K1 is found in plants and is important for clotting, a necessary step in wound healing. Vitamin K2 is produced in the digestive tract by the action of bacteria upon K1. There is also evidence that at least some animals can directly convert vitamin K1 into K2.
     Vitamin K2 is also present in substantial quantities in animal products if the animals have been eating grass. Vitamin K2 is found in butter, cheeses, and meats of animals consuming grasses. Consumption of pasture raised poultry and beef offers many health advantages over consumption of products from grain fed animals.
     Vitamin K2 plays an important role in strengthening bone and regulating calcium utilization. Deficiency can contribute to osteoporosis. Utilizing broad spectrum antibiotics can reduce vitamin K2 production in the gut by up to 74%. This provides one more reason to use a probiotic supplement like Acidophilus Complex after a course of antibiotics.
     Unfortunately, feedlot animals are routinely fed antibiotics. Consuming the products of such animals may pose a problem for obtaining adequate vitamin K2.
The lessons here:
1. Consume dark, leafy greens on a regular basis unless told to avoid them by your doctor.
2. Consume animal products from animals that are feeding upon green foods.
3. Try to avoid indiscriminate use of antibiotics.