Simvastatin, Sitagliptin & Nutrient Depletion
Also searched as Juvisync. What the clinical evidence reports, what it may mean, and what to discuss with your pharmacist.
Simvastatin, Sitagliptin has been associated with depletion of BETA-CAROTENE and COENZYME Q10. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these are worth knowing about and, if you take Simvastatin, Sitagliptin long-term, worth raising with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Take more than one medication? Open the checker with Simvastatin, Sitagliptin pre-loaded and add the rest to see overlapping nutrient signals.
Reported nutrient depletions with Simvastatin, Sitagliptin
Each record below is shown as published in our licensed clinical database, with its evidence rating and citations. Expand a section for food sources and talking points.
BETA-CAROTENE
Insignificant DepletionSIMVASTATIN (Zocor)
Clinical research shows that simvastatin can reduce serum levels of circulating beta-carotene, but this is probably only in proportion to the lowering of cholesterol (on which beta-carotene is transported). Supplements are not usually needed.
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant the body converts into vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Because beta-carotene hitches a ride in the bloodstream on cholesterol particles, simvastatin's job of lowering cholesterol can bring beta-carotene levels down a little along with it. That said, this is rated insignificant, meaning the drop appears to simply reflect lower cholesterol transport rather than a true shortage in your body. For most people on simvastatin, no extra beta-carotene is needed, but feel free to mention it to your pharmacist if you have questions.
What Vitamin A does & food sources
Vitamin A supports vision, immune function, and skin health.
Common food sources:
- Liver and fish oils
- Dairy and eggs
- Orange and yellow vegetables (as beta-carotene)
- Leafy greens
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Ask your provider before supplementing vitamin A — status testing is not routine, and intake from food plus multivitamins is often already adequate.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Vitamin A is fat-soluble and accumulates; excess is harmful (and dangerous in pregnancy). Prefer food sources unless a clinician advises otherwise.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Caution: Avoid high-dose vitamin A in pregnancy or when trying to conceive unless a clinician directs it.
Learn more about this nutrient: Beta-carotene — uses, safety & interactions
References (2)
- Jula, A., Marniemi, J., Huupponen, R., Virtanen, A., Rastas, M., and Ronnemaa, T. Effects of diet and simvastatin on serum lipids, insulin, and antioxidants in hypercholesterolemic men: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2-6-2002;287(5):598-605. PubMed
- Tonstad S, Silverstein M, Aksnes L, Ose L. Low dose colestipol in adolescents with familial hypercholesterolemia. Arch Dis Child 1996;74:157-60.
COENZYME Q10
Insignificant DepletionANTIDIABETES DRUGS
Some antidiabetes drugs, including metformin and sulfonylureas, appear to inhibit coenzyme Q10 enzyme activity and decrease endogenous levels of coenzyme Q10. However, there is no strong evidence that coenzyme Q10 depletion is the cause of antidiabetes drug-related side effects. Furthermore, taking coenzyme Q10 does not seem to improve fasting glucose levels or glycated hemoglobin in patients with diabetes.
Coenzyme Q10 is a compound your cells use to produce energy, and it also acts as an antioxidant. Some antidiabetes medications have been shown to slightly reduce the body's own CoQ10 activity, though the exact reason is not fully understood. For most people taking sitagliptin or simvastatin, this is considered an insignificant concern, meaning routine supplementation is not something most patients need to worry about. If you have questions about your specific situation, your pharmacist or doctor is the best person to ask.
What Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) does & food sources
CoQ10 helps cells produce energy and acts as an antioxidant; heart and muscle tissue use it heavily.
Common food sources:
- Organ meats and fatty fish
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
There is no routine blood test for CoQ10 in everyday practice. If you have new, unexplained muscle symptoms on a medication linked to CoQ10 (statins are the best-known example), talk to your prescriber before changing anything — symptoms have many possible causes and your prescriber has several options.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
CoQ10 is generally well tolerated, but evidence for supplementing (for example, for statin muscle symptoms) is mixed. It may also modestly affect warfarin — check with your pharmacist before combining.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Caution: Do not stop a prescribed medication because of this association — discuss any symptoms with your prescriber first.
Learn more about this nutrient: Coenzyme Q10 — uses, safety & interactions
References (4)
- Kishi T, Kishi H, Watanabe T, et al. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine. XI. Studies on coenzyme Q and diabetes mellitus. J Med 1976;7:307-21.
- Moradi M, Haghighatdoost F, Feizi A, Larijani B, Azadbakht L. Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on diabetes biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Arch Iran Med. 2016;19(8):588-96. doi: 0161908/AIM
- Stojanovic M, Radenkovic M. A meta-analysis of randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trials suggests that coenzyme Q10 at low dose improves glucose and HbA1c levels. Nutr Res. 2017 Feb;38:1-12. PubMed
- Suksomboon N, Poolsup N, Juanak N. Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on metabolic profile in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2015 Aug;40(4):413-8.
This tool is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. An association is not a diagnosis and does not mean a deficiency will occur. Always talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or supplement.
Disclaimer: This checker finds which nutrients might be depleted by prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each nutrient depletion issue is rated based on clinical significance. Use your own professional judgment prior to making clinical decisions.© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center Licensed records refresh weekly · last updated July 3, 2026.
More about Simvastatin, Sitagliptin
What drug-induced nutrient depletion means
Some medications can, over time, lower the levels of certain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients — through reduced absorption, increased loss, or changes in how the body uses them.
Association is not deficiency
An entry here means a depletion has been reported or studied — not that it happens to everyone, or that you are deficient. Dose, duration, diet, and your own health all matter.
Evidence varies by pair
Some drug–nutrient links (like metformin and vitamin B12) are well studied; others rest on limited or preliminary research. Each entry shows the evidence rating from our licensed clinical database.
When to ask about labs
If you take an associated medication long-term, ask your healthcare provider whether monitoring is appropriate for you. Not everyone needs testing — your provider can weigh your dose, duration, and symptoms.
Don't self-supplement blindly
Supplements are not risk-free: some can interact with medications, and some (like potassium or magnesium) can be risky with kidney disease. Talk to your pharmacist before adding anything.
Never stop a medication over this
These medications are prescribed for good reasons, and the benefit usually far outweighs a manageable nutrient consideration. Any change belongs in a conversation with your prescriber.
Food first, usually
For many nutrients, a varied diet covers the gap. Each entry lists common food sources; a supplement is a decision to make with your pharmacist or provider, not a default.
Simvastatin, Sitagliptin & nutrients: FAQs
Does Simvastatin, Sitagliptin deplete BETA-CAROTENE?
Should I take a supplement because I take Simvastatin, Sitagliptin?
Should I stop taking Simvastatin, Sitagliptin?
Where does this information come from?
Questions about Simvastatin, Sitagliptin and your nutrition?
Ask a licensed pharmacist — free, no appointment needed.
Sources & How We Checked
Nutrient depletion records for Simvastatin, Sitagliptin are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database, and are displayed as published with their citations.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for drug-induced nutrient depletions, supplements, and interactions — the basis for this page.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for medication overviews across the site.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.