Does lipitor change nutrients absorbed from almonds?

Does Lipitor affect how the body takes in nutrients from almonds?

Lipitor (atorvastatin) does not directly interfere with the absorption of nutrients from almonds. It works inside liver cells to block HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme needed to make cholesterol. Almonds contain mainly fats, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, and plant sterols. These kommen into play after digestion in the gut, and statin drugs like atorvastatin target liver metabolism rather than gut absorption.

What happens to fats and vitamin E from almonds when someone takes Lipitor?

Almonds supply monounsaturated fats and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). Statins do not block intestinal fat absorption or vitamin E uptake. Studies show no consistent reduction in vitamin E levels in patients taking atorvastatin. Some research finds a slight increase in vitamin E relative to cholesterol levels, but that is because cholesterol drops faster.

Can magnesium or fiber from almonds interact with Lipitor?

Magnesium and fiber in almonds are absorbed in the intestinal tract. Neither magnesium from food amounts nor fiber affects atorvastatin pharmacokinetics. No clinical data show magnesium or fiber from nuts interferes with drug levels or effect. Patients can eat almonds safely without timing restrictions around Lipitor doses.

Why do some people worry about nutrient changes with statins?

Patients sometimes worry because statins affect lipid metabolism and sometimes show low-grade muscle symptoms. The part of the side-effect discussion that relates to nutrients is the discussion of ubiquinone (CoQ10) and vitamin D. The discussion of CoQ10 is separate from the discussion of almond-derived nutrients. The discussion of vitamin D is separate too. CoQ10 is not found in almonds; CoQ10 is made by the body and partly comes from meat and fish. CoQ10 and vitamin D do not hold any special relationship with almond-derived magnesium or vitamin E.

When does Lipitor's patent expire?

Lipitor's patent expired in 2011. Since then many generic atorvastatin manufacturers compete on price.