I take ubiquinol to replenish CoQ10 depleted by my statin. I also take curcumin (from turmeric). Since they both manage free radicals, do I need to take the curcumin?

Answer:

Although both curcumin and ubiquinol (the activate form of CoQ10) have antioxidant properties, they have very different effects in the body, as is the case with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E and vitamin C. So taking one will not achieve all the things accomplished by the other.

CoQ10 is used for energy production within cells, and levels in the body can be lowered by statin drugs. Some, but not all, evidence suggests taking CoQ10 may help reduce certain side effects of statin drugs, such as muscle pain. Curcumin, on the other hand, has anti-inflammatory effects, which may be helpful for conditions such as arthritis or muscle-soreness after exercise, but it is not known to increase energy production in cells, or reduce statin-related muscle pain.  

For more about what each of these ingredients do, plus our tests of popular products, see the CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review and the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review >>