Myalgia or muscle pain is a common complaint made by patients on cholesterol-lowering “statin” drugs. Oftentimes the muscle pain, cramps, weakness, and tenderness become intolerable and patients must discontinue statin drug therapy.

Consequences of Low Vitamin D

A study of over 5,500 patients averaging 56 years old found a correlation between vitamin D deficiency, statin* use, and the development of statin-induced myalgia (SIM). Vitamin D blood levels of 30-40 ng/mL are considered ideal. When patients had low vitamin D levels  (≤15 ng/mL) at the time they started on the statin drug, SIM was accurately predicted.

*60% of the patients used Atorvastatin, a.k.a. Lipitor®
 29% of the patients used Simvastatin, a.k.a. Zocor®
In another study presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions, the following results were presented:

  • 81.3% had SIM when vitamin D levels <30 ng/mL
  • 17.6% had SIM when vitamin D levels >30 ng/mL
  • 62.1% had SIM when vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL
  • Four-fold higher rate of statin-induced myalgias occurred when vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL

They found low vitamin D is common in patients with hyperlipidemia
(abnormal lipid levels) — i.e., high cholesterol, high LDLs, low HDLs, high triglycerides.

Treatment for Statin Intolerance

Consult with your physician about your intolerance to your prescribed statin medication. Statin-induced myalgias are often treated by:    

  1. Discontinuing the use of the statin drug completely.
  2. Reversing the vitamin D deficiency by taking 2,000 IU of the vitamin daily.
  3. Taking a blood test. If your vitamin D levels are within normal limits, the statins are restarted. Once done, a majority of patients can better tolerate the statin drugs.

The Optimal D Diet

Try to get as much vitamin D through a well-balanced diet. Good edible sources of vitamin D include:

  • Canned salmon
  • Tuna, sardines, mackerel, and shrimp
  • Mushrooms
  • Egg yolks
  • Calcium-fortified juices (they contain vitamin D to help absorb the calcium)
  • Milk, yogurt and cereals fortified with vitamin D

CSB6_Can_Salmon_218-2015Karen’s Fit Tip: Salmon is an excellent and convenient source of vitamin D. One small 3-oz. can of wild sockeye salmon provides nearly 100 percent of the current recommended daily amount of vitamin D for an adult ≤70 years old (about 585 IU).

Karen Owoc

Karen Owoc is a certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist specializing in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and lifestyle medicine. Her science-based approach to longevity, nutrition, and muscle health has made her the go-to source for health seekers and medical professionals alike. Karen's best-selling book on functional longevity, "Athletes in Aprons: The Nutrition Playbook to Break 100", and her transformative perspective have mended many minds, hearts, and spirits.

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4 Comments

  1. Enlightening comments on a subject I wanted to understand better.
    Thanks Karen for all your continued help.

    1. Hi Don, so glad the info was helpful. I hope you’re doing well and will see you soon! 🙂

  2. Hi Karen, I am catching up on your informative articles and will pass this on on to a friend who had this problem. Thank you!

    1. That’s great, Bob. I hope the information will be helpful to your friend. All the best, Karen

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