What is red yeast rice? How does it affect cholesterol, weight, and other aspects of health? Discover the science-backed benefits, potential side effects, and dosage recommendations for this natural supplement.

The Surprising Benefits of Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is a fermented rice product that has been prized for its medicinal properties for centuries. Produced by fermenting rice with a specific type of yeast, Monascus purpureus, red yeast rice contains a compound called monacolin K – the same active ingredient found in prescription cholesterol-lowering medications.

This makes red yeast rice a potent natural remedy for high cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that it can effectively lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol, without the side effects often associated with prescription statins (2). For those who cannot tolerate or afford traditional cholesterol medications, red yeast rice offers a compelling alternative.

Beyond Cholesterol: Other Benefits of Red Yeast Rice

But the benefits of red yeast rice don’t stop at cholesterol control. Emerging research suggests this ancient supplement may also:

• Reduce inflammation: Red yeast rice contains antioxidants that can help lower inflammation in the body (3).
• Improve metabolic health: Some studies link red yeast rice to better blood sugar control and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome (4).
• Support weight management: There is evidence that red yeast rice may help with weight loss and preventing weight gain (5).

How Does Red Yeast Rice Work?

The key to red yeast rice’s health benefits lies in its active compound, monacolin K. This substance works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for producing cholesterol in the liver (2). By reducing the liver’s cholesterol production, monacolin K effectively lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood.

But monacolin K isn’t the only player. Red yeast rice also contains other beneficial compounds, such as sterols, isoflavones, and unsaturated fatty acids, that contribute to its overall health effects (1).

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations

While generally well-tolerated, red yeast rice does carry some potential side effects that users should be aware of:

• Muscle pain or weakness: Like prescription statins, red yeast rice may cause muscle-related side effects in some individuals (6).
• Liver toxicity: There have been rare reports of red yeast rice causing liver damage, particularly in those with pre-existing liver conditions (7).
• Interactions with medications: Red yeast rice may interact with certain prescription drugs, such as antidepressants, blood thinners, and diabetes medications (8).

It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting red yeast rice, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Dosage and Buying Considerations

The optimal dosage of red yeast rice can vary, but most research suggests taking 1,200-2,400 mg per day, split into two or three doses (9). It’s best to start with the lower end of the range and slowly increase the dose as needed.

When purchasing red yeast rice supplements, look for products that have been tested for quality and purity. Avoid products that claim to be “natural statins” or make exaggerated health claims. As with any supplement, it’s important to buy from a reputable brand and source.

The Bottom Line

Red yeast rice is a powerful natural supplement with a wide range of potential health benefits. From its well-established cholesterol-lowering effects to its emerging benefits for inflammation, metabolic health, and weight management, this fermented rice product is a compelling alternative to prescription medications for many individuals.

However, it’s crucial to speak with a healthcare provider before incorporating red yeast rice into your regimen, as it may interact with certain medications and carry some safety risks. When used responsibly and under medical supervision, red yeast rice can be a valuable tool for promoting overall cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Demetrios Panagiotou, MD, FACC: Cardiologist

Cholesterol

Having a high level of cholesterol is bad for your health. Elevated cholesterol is one of the main catalysts for you developing a coronary heart disease.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of deaths in the United States, so it is important that you keep your heart healthy.

Cholesterol can be controlled by many things – diet and drugs are one of the main ones.

But there are a lot of problems that accompany cholesterol controlling drugs, like their high cost, side effects, drastic changes in your lifestyle, and many more.

There is another way for you to control your cholesterol without all the side effects and heavy bills of consuming drugs: red yeast rice.

What is Red Yeast Rice?

Red yeast life is made by fermenting Monascuspurpureus – a type of yeast – with rice. When the fermenting yeast is combined with rice, a bright red or reddish purple red yeast rice is created.

So, what is it that makes this rice capable of lowering cholesterol levels? How is it beneficial for your health?

Red Yeast Rice and Cholesterol

Red yeast rice or its supplements are very common when it comes to lowering the levels of cholesterol in your body.

The chemical known as monascuspurpureus is known for naturally controlling cholesterol in your body. It stops the enzyme which is responsible for the production of cholesterol.

There are a lot of positive studies that show that red yeast rice is effective in lowering cholesterols in your body in a healthy and effective manner.

It is especially great for people who can’t tolerate other medications or cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Other than lowering cholesterol, there are other benefits of red yeast rice as well.

Helps You With Muscle Fatigue

A common problem faced by people in the United States is muscle fatigue. Red yeast rice deals with that problem as well. People with high cholesterol levels often feel fatigue in their muscles.

Studies show that red yeast rice helps with both these problems. It’s like killing two birds with one stone.

Helps You Lose Weight and Controls Obesity

Apart from cholesterol, another risk factor for getting a heart disease is obesity. People who are overweight generally have an unhealthy diet, which makes them more prone towards heart diseases.

Studies show that red yeast rice helps to control your weight.

Red yeast rice is one of the best natural ways to control your cholesterol levels. Try it today and see the results for yourself. Try it today and see the results for yourself.

Are you worried about the health of your heart? Looking for a great doctor to check the health of your heart? Your search is over.

Keystone Cardiovascular Center has an amazing board certified doctor who specialize in cardiovascular diseases.

They will take the health of your heart seriously and have you up and about in no time. Call us today at 201-431-7355 and book an appointment.

What is Commotio Cordis?

Commotio cordis is a potentially fatal phenomenon caused by blunt force trauma to the chest. Find out what it is and how to prevent it.

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine

Struggles to get to the clinic? Trying to reduce your exposure to COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses, and still need to see your doctor? Telehealth is safe and easy — receive quality care from anywhere.

Myths About Weight Loss Drugs

One of the biggest weight loss medication myths is that you don’t need to monitor your diet or do exercise while taking them.

Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage

It’s turned up on pharmacy shelves only within the last few decades, but red yeast rice has been prized for its powerful medicinal properties for hundreds of years.

As one of the top natural remedies for high cholesterol levels, red yeast rice is one of the few natural supplements that contain active ingredients virtually identical to those found in prescription medications.

Plus, the benefits of red yeast rice extend beyond lowering cholesterol levels, with emerging research showing that it may also benefit inflammation, metabolic syndrome, blood sugar levels, and more.

Here are the benefits, side effects, and dosage recommendations for red yeast rice.

Red yeast rice is a type of fermented rice that is produced using specific species of mold, Monascus ruber or Monascus purpureus (1, 2).

It’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for its powerful health-promoting properties.

Red yeast rice contains the compound monacolin K — the same active ingredient found in prescription cholesterol-lowering medications like lovastatin (2).

For this reason, it’s often used as a cost-effective alternative to pricey medications to help reduce cholesterol levels and support heart health.

Research has shown other beneficial effects as well, ranging from reduced cancer cell growth to improved blood sugar and insulin levels.

Today, red yeast rice is commonly sold as an over-the-counter supplement marketed to help manage cholesterol and improve overall health.

Summary

Red yeast rice is produced by fermenting rice with a specific species of mold. It contains the same active ingredient as cholesterol-lowering medications and has been studied for other benefits as well.

The potential benefits of red yeast rice include:

• improved heart health
• reduced risk of metabolic syndrome
• decreased inflammation
• reduced cancer risk

May promote heart health

Heart disease is a serious condition that affects millions and is estimated to account for 31.5% of deaths around the world (3).

High cholesterol — one of the main risk factors for heart disease — can cause arteries to narrow and stiffen, leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke (4).

Red yeast rice is commonly used as a natural remedy to help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health, and can sometimes have fewer adverse side effects than prescription drugs used to treat high cholesterol (5).

One review of 21 studies found that red yeast rice was effective at reducing levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides and blood pressure, when combined with statin drugs (6).

Additionally, the monacolin K may also help improve endothelial function, or the flexibility and adaptability of your blood vessels, which is key to maintaining your vascular and heart health (7).

May help treat metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase your risk for chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Some of the criteria for metabolic syndrome include high blood pressure, excess body fat, increased blood sugar, and alterations in cholesterol or triglyceride levels (8).

Several studies have found that red yeast rice may help treat some of these risk factors and could be used as a natural treatment to aid in their prevention (9).

One of its most well-documented effects is its ability to lower cholesterol. Research shows that it can effectively reduce both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Another small, 18-week study found that a supplement containing red yeast rice was able to reduce blood sugar, insulin levels, and systolic blood pressure (the top number of a reading) in people with metabolic syndrome (10).

Plus, an 8-week study looked at the effects of red yeast rice on mice fed a high fat diet compared with a control group. It found that red yeast rice was able to prevent increases in cholesterol levels and body weight (11).

Could reduce inflammation

Inflammation is a normal immune response designed to protect your body against acute infections and foreign invaders.

However, sustained inflammation is thought to contribute to chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease (12).

Studies show that supplementing with red yeast rice may help reduce inflammation and promote better health in the long term.

For example, a study in 50 people with metabolic syndrome showed that taking a supplement containing red yeast rice and olive extract for 8 weeks reduced levels of oxidative stress — a key cause of chronic inflammation — by up to 20 percent (13).

Similarly, one study found that giving red yeast extract to rats with kidney damage reduced levels of specific proteins involved in inflammation in the body (14).

May have anticancer properties

Although current research is limited to animal and test-tube studies, some evidence suggests that red yeast rice may help reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells.

One study found that giving mice with prostate cancer red yeast rice powder significantly decreased tumor volume compared with a control group (15).

However, more research is needed to evaluate the effects of red yeast rice on other types of cancer in humans.

Specifically, further studies should be done to determine how the potential anticancer effects of red yeast rice may affect the general population.

Summary

Red yeast rice may decrease your risk for heart disease and metabolic syndrome, reduce inflammation in the body, and potentially possess anticancer properties. However, more research is needed.

However, there are some potential downsides to red yeast rice as well. They include:

Legal status

Monacolin K is the active compound found in red yeast rice that is commonly extracted and used in cholesterol-lowering statins and medications.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), red yeast rice products that contain monacolin K should be considered a drug, subjecting them to stricter regulations than standard over-the-counter supplements (16).

Additionally, since 1998, the FDA has taken action against several companies selling red yeast rice extract containing high amounts of monacolin K, noting that it’s illegal to market these products as supplements in the United States.

So red yeast rice supplements are still legal, but they must only contain trace amounts of monacolin K. However, as recently as 2011, some red yeast rice supplements have been found to contain high amounts of monacolin K.

As a consumer, it’s impossible for you to know how much monacolin K a supplement may contain, because only the amount of red yeast rice is disclosed on the label.

Additionally, it is important to note that the FDA doesn’t regulate food supplements the way that drugs are regulated, and nutrition claims made may not be based on scientific evidence. So please speak with your healthcare professional when considering taking red yeast rice.

Side effects

Despite the list of benefits associated with red yeast rice, supplementing with it may come with some adverse effects so it is best to speak with your healthcare professional before taking this supplement.

Gastrointestinal problems like bloating, gas, and stomach pain are some of the most commonly reported side effects of red yeast rice.

In more extreme cases, it can also cause issues like muscle problems, liver toxicity, and allergic reactions, similar to the side effects caused by prescription cholesterol-lowering medications (2).

Because research is still limited on the long-term safety of red yeast rice, it’s also not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you notice any adverse symptoms after taking red yeast rice, consider decreasing your dosage or discontinuing use, and consult a trusted healthcare professional.

Medication interactions

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, the key active component that is used to make statin drugs – which are used to lower cholesterol. For this reason, you shouldn’t take red yeast rice if you’re already taking a statin, unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.

Red yeast rice may also interact with the same drugs that statins interact with, including other cholesterol-lowering drugs, antibiotics, certain antidepressants, antifungals, and antiretrovirals (16).

If you’re taking any medications, it’s a good idea to speak with a trusted healthcare professional before starting red yeast rice supplementation.

Citrinin formation

Finally, red yeast rice that’s not carefully cultivated can contain a byproduct called citrinin. Citrinin is a mycotoxin, or a toxin that is produced by certain types of mold.

Researchers have noted that it can cause kidney failure in animals and may affect gene expression in humans (15).

Additionally, a 2011 assessment of 11 different red yeast rice supplements available for purchase noted that 4 of those products contained citrinin (16).

Summary

Red yeast rice has several potential downsides. The supplements are legally only allowed to contain trace amounts of monacolin K, but some may contain high amounts. Red yeast rice may also have side effects, interact with certain medications, or be contaminated with the mycotoxin citrinin.

Red yeast rice is available in capsule or tablet form and often formulated in combination with other ingredients, such as CoQ10, nattokinase, or omega-3 fatty acids.

These supplements are widely available in health food stores, pharmacies, and though online retailers.

Doses ranging from 200–4,800 mg have been studied in clinical trials, typically containing about 10 mg of total monacolin (17).

Most major supplement brands on the market generally recommend taking between 1,200–2,400 mg daily, divided into two to three doses.

However, the amount needed to realize the potential benefits has not been scientifically determined, and erring on the side of caution is best to minimize the chances of side effects.

However, given the risk of adverse side effects and safety concerns associated with red yeast rice extract, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best dosage for you.

Additionally, make sure that you choose a high-quality supplement. Here are some ways you can know that you are choosing a product from a reputable manufacturer:

• They produce their supplements in a certified Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility, meaning it meets Food and Drug Administration criteria.
• Their supplements have been third-party tested for purity and ingredients, ensuring that the supplement is labeled honestly and is free of contaminants. Ideally, they make these third-party reports available for consumers.

Summary

Red yeast rice is widely available in both capsule and tablet form. It’s been studied in doses ranging from 200–4,800 mg, but most supplements recommend 1,200–2,400 mg daily for best results.

Red yeast rice may support heart health and reduce cholesterol levels, inflammation, cancer cell growth, and risk factors of metabolic syndrome. However, the supplement also has a number of potential downsides that should be carefully considered before you decide to start using it.

Working closely with your healthcare professional is the best way to decide if this is the right supplement for you and how to select one that is high quality and from a reputable brand.

Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage – Drink-Drink

It has only appeared on drugstore shelves in the last few decades, but red yeast rice has been prized for its powerful medicinal properties for hundreds of years.

As one of the best natural remedies for high cholesterol, red yeast rice is one of the few natural supplements that contain active ingredients virtually identical to those found in prescription drugs.

In addition, the benefits of red yeast rice go beyond lowering cholesterol, and new research shows it may also help with inflammation, metabolic syndrome, blood sugar, and more.

Here are the benefits, side effects and dosage recommendations of Red Yeast Rice.

What is red yeast rice?

Red yeast rice is a type of fermented rice that is made using certain types of mold. Monascus ruber or Monascus purple (1, 2).

It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for its powerful health promoting properties.

Red yeast rice contains the compound monacolin K, the same active ingredient found in prescription cholesterol-lowering drugs such as lovastatin (2).

For this reason, it is often used as a cost-effective alternative to expensive drugs to help lower cholesterol and support heart health.

Research has also shown other beneficial effects, from reduced cancer cell growth to increased blood sugar and insulin levels.

Today, red yeast rice is commonly sold as an over-the-counter supplement to help control cholesterol levels and improve overall health.

Conclusion

Red Yeast Rice is made by fermenting rice with certain molds. It contains the same active ingredient as cholesterol-lowering medications and has also been studied for other benefits.

Potential benefits

Potential benefits of red yeast rice include:

• improved heart health
• reduced risk of metabolic syndrome
• reduced inflammation
• reduced risk of cancer

May contribute to heart health

Cardiovascular disease is a serious disease that affects millions of people and is estimated to account for 31.5% of deaths worldwide.3).

High cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease, can cause arteries to narrow and harden, leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. 4).

Red yeast rice is commonly used as a natural remedy to lower cholesterol and improve heart health, and may sometimes have fewer side effects than prescription drugs used to treat high cholesterol (5).

One review of 21 studies found that red yeast rice was effective in lowering total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides and blood pressure when combined with statins.6).

In addition, monacolin K may also help improve endothelial function, or the flexibility and adaptability of your blood vessels, which is key to maintaining vascular and heart health.7).

May help treat metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Some of the criteria for metabolic syndrome include high blood pressure, excess body fat, elevated blood sugar, and changes in cholesterol or triglyceride levels.8).

Several studies have shown that red yeast rice may help treat some of these risk factors and can be used as a natural remedy to prevent them. 9).

One of its most well-documented effects is its ability to lower cholesterol levels. Research shows that it can effectively lower both total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Another small 18-week study found that a red yeast rice supplement was able to lower blood sugar, insulin levels, and systolic blood pressure (the top number of readings) in people with metabolic syndrome (10).

In addition, an 8-week study examined the effects of red yeast rice on mice fed a high-fat diet compared to controls. Red yeast rice has been found to be able to prevent an increase in cholesterol levels and body weight.11).

May reduce inflammation

Inflammation is a normal immune response designed to protect your body from acute infections and foreign invaders.

However, persistent inflammation is believed to contribute to the development of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.12).

Research shows that adding red yeast rice can help reduce inflammation and improve long-term health.

For example, a study in 50 people with metabolic syndrome found that supplementing with red yeast rice and olive extract for 8 weeks reduced oxidative stress, a key cause of chronic inflammation, by up to 20 percent.13).

Similarly, one study found that administering red yeast extract to rats with kidney damage reduced levels of specific proteins involved in inflammation in the body (14).

May have anticancer properties

Although current research is limited to animal and test tube studies, some evidence suggests that red yeast rice may help reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells.

One study showed that administration of red yeast rice powder to mice with prostate cancer significantly reduced tumor volume compared to controls.15).

However, more research is needed to evaluate the effect of red yeast rice on other human cancers.

In particular, further research is needed to determine how the potential anti-cancer effects of red yeast rice may affect the general population.

Conclusion

Red Yeast Rice may reduce the risk of heart disease and metabolic syndrome, reduce inflammation in the body, and have potential anti-cancer properties. However, more research is needed.

Downsides

However, there are potential drawbacks to red yeast rice. These include:

Legal

Monacolin K is an active compound found in red yeast rice that is commonly extracted and used in statins and cholesterol-lowering drugs.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), red yeast rice products containing monacolin K should be considered drugs and are subject to stricter regulations than standard over-the-counter supplements (16) .

In addition, since 1998, the FDA has taken action against several companies selling monacolin K-rich red yeast rice extract, noting that it is illegal to sell these products as supplements in the United States.

Thus, red yeast rice supplements are still legal, but they must contain only trace amounts of monacolin K. However, as recently as 2011, some red yeast rice supplements were found to be high in monacolin K.

As a consumer, you have no way of knowing how much monacolin K a supplement might contain because the label only lists the amount of red yeast rice.

In addition, it is important to note that the FDA does not regulate nutritional supplements in the same way that drugs are regulated, and nutrition claims made may not be based on scientific evidence. Therefore, please speak to your health care provider if you are considering taking red yeast rice.

Side effects

Despite the list of benefits associated with red yeast rice, it can have some side effects, so it’s best to check with your healthcare provider before taking this supplement.

Gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, gas and abdominal pain are among the most commonly reported side effects of red yeast rice.

In more extreme cases, it can also cause muscle problems, liver toxicity, and allergic reactions similar to the side effects caused by cholesterol-lowering drugs. 2).

Because research on the long-term safety of red yeast rice is still limited, it is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

If you notice any adverse symptoms after taking Red Yeast Rice, consider reducing your dosage or stopping use and consult a trusted physician.

Drug interactions

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, a key active ingredient that is used to make statins, which are used to lower cholesterol. For this reason, you should not take red yeast rice if you are already taking statins unless directed by a doctor.

Red yeast rice may also interact with the same drugs that statins interact with, including other cholesterol-lowering drugs, antibiotics, some antidepressants, antifungals, and antiretrovirals.16).

If you are taking any medications, it is recommended that you speak with a trusted physician before taking Red Yeast Rice supplements.

Formation of citrinin

Finally, red yeast rice that is not cultivated well can contain a by-product called citrinin. Citrinin is a mycotoxin or toxin that is produced by certain types of mold.

Researchers have noted that it can cause kidney failure in animals and affect gene expression in humans.15).

In addition, a 2011 evaluation of 11 different red yeast rice supplements available for purchase found that 4 of these products contained citrinin (16).

Conclusion

Red yeast rice has several potential drawbacks. By law, supplements can only contain trace amounts of monacolin K, but some may contain large amounts. Red yeast rice can also have side effects, interact with certain medications, or be contaminated with the mycotoxin citrinin.

Dosage Recommendations

Red Yeast Rice is available in capsule or tablet form and is often combined with other ingredients such as CoQ10, nattokinase, or omega-3 fatty acids.

These supplements are widely available from health food stores, pharmacies and online stores.

Doses ranging from 200 to 4,800 mg have been studied in clinical trials, typically containing about 10 mg total monacolin.17).

Most major supplement brands on the market generally recommend 1,200 to 2,400 mg per day, divided into two to three doses.

However, the amount needed to realize potential benefits has not been scientifically determined and care is best taken to minimize the chance of side effects.

However, given the risk of adverse side effects and safety concerns associated with Red Yeast Rice Extract, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the optimal dosage for you.

Also, make sure you choose a high quality supplement. Here are a few ways to know that you are choosing a product from a well-known manufacturer:

• They manufacture their supplements in a certified Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility, which means it meets FDA criteria.
• Their supplements have been third party tested for purity and ingredients, ensuring the supplement is labeled fairly and free of contaminants. Ideally, they make these third-party reports available to consumers.

Conclusion

Red Yeast Rice is widely available in both capsule and tablet form. It has been studied in doses ranging from 200mg to 4,800mg, but most supplements recommend 1,200mg to 2,400mg per day for best results.

Bottom line

Red Yeast Rice may support heart health and reduce cholesterol, inflammation, cancer cell growth and metabolic syndrome risk factors. However, the supplement also has a number of potential downsides that should be carefully considered before you decide to start using it.

Working closely with your healthcare provider is the best way to decide if this supplement is right for you and how to choose a high quality brand name supplement.

Red Yeast Rice and Heart Health｜ iHerb Blog

The information in this blog has not been verified by your country’s public health authority and is not intended as a diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice.
More details

Also known as: red koji rice, akakoji, red fermented rice, ruby ​​red rice, red koji rice, anka or ang-kak

When a person is diagnosed with high cholesterol, the doctor usually advises the patient to adjust their diet and exercise more. When this is not enough, the patient may be prescribed medication. However, many who take prescription medications are concerned about the side effects of pharmaceuticals and are looking for a more natural way to improve their health. An option that many are considering is red yeast rice (RYR).

History of red yeast rice and cholesterol-lowering drugs

Red Yeast Rice (RYR) has been used for 2300 years. It originated in China and has been used as a food coloring and medicinal plant. Around 800 AD. e. in China, such rice was taken orally in order to “revitalize the body, aid in digestion and energize the blood.” KDR has also been used since ancient times in traditional Chinese medicine to treat the spleen, stimulate mucus production, and improve blood circulation.

In Japan, red yeast rice is called hoji, which translates as “grain or beans sprouted with mold.” KDR is made by fermenting rice with the yeast Monascus purpeus and contains compounds called monacolins. These chemicals inhibit the production of an enzyme doctors call “HMG-CoA reductase.” When blocked, this enzyme prevents the body from producing cholesterol.

In the 1970s, scientists at Merck & Company isolated the chemical monacolin K. Shortly thereafter, they were able to synthesize the compound in the laboratory. Lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev, Altocor) is the name of a drug that forever changed the way we treat high cholesterol, and ultimately heart disease. In 1987, New York Times article noted that the drug would cost up to $3,000 per year for high-risk patients—approximately $6,500 today. Unexpectedly, this organic chemical, which has been in use for over 2,000 years, has been named drug , and the FDA banned the sale of all CR supplements that contained lovastatin. Products with elevated levels of monacolin K or cholesterol-lowering drugs have been forced out of the market.

Many of the drugs now on the shelves are trying to avoid being listed by the Drug Administration as containing minimal amounts of monacolin K. In addition, the labels of these drugs do not mention their anti-cholesterol effect.

One common quality brand uses the following description:

« Red Yeast Rice – is a natural product that has been used in Asia by herbalists since about 800 AD . Red Yeast Rice is made by fermenting yeast (Monascus purpureus) with white rice and is commonly used in cooking to improve the color and taste of food . “Peking duck is an example of the color and flavor that red yeast rice gives to a dish.”

People often ask themselves the question: “Is it necessary to take drugs to lower cholesterol or should we look for alternatives?”. Before answering, let me explain something.

What is cholesterol?

While cholesterol has become a household name and most people think that cholesterol is “bad”, in fact, cholesterol does a very important job and is critical to human health. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that has many important functions in the body. Only 20% of cholesterol comes from food, while 80% is produced in the liver.

Cholesterol is needed to make the following substances:

• Vitamin D
• Testosterone, the main hormone for men
• Estrogen, the main hormone for women
• Myelin sheaths, the protective covering that surrounds the nerves in the body

90 041 Bile that helps us absorb fats

Studies have shown that low blood cholesterol levels increase heart attack, but it also seems to increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain, the risk of depression and suicide. This is most likely due to the effect of cholesterol on hormones and nervous system In addition, very low LDL (bad cholesterol) may prevent

Side effects of statins

The first sensational cholesterol-lowering drug, known as lovastatin (Mevacor), was released in 1987. Over the next decade, other popular drugs were developed and released, including simvastatin (Zocor in 1992) and atorvastatin (Lipitor in 1994). Since 1987, statin drugs have generated more than $200 billion in revenue. According to some estimates, in 2012 such drugs brought manufacturers 29billion dollars from sales around the world – they have become very popular not only among doctors, but also among patients.

Although statins can be helpful when taken as directed, many are concerned about the side effects they can cause when taken long-term.

According to Epocrates.com, a common resource for medical students and physicians for prescribing information, the following adverse reactions may occur when taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. Most of these serious reactions are very rare and almost never seen by most doctors.

Serious reactions include:

• Tendon rupture
• Acute skeletal muscle necrosis (muscle breakdown) – the condition can be life-threatening and require hospitalization.
• Acute renal failure
• Hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Anaphylactic shock (life-threatening allergic reaction)
• Photosensitivity (sun sensitivity) world)
• Erythema multiforme (a special type of rash)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a life-threatening condition with blistering and peeling of the skin)
• Leukopenia (low white blood cell count, making a person susceptible to infections)
• Hemolytic anemia ( cells blood self-destruct)

Common reactions:

• Arthralgia/arthritis (pain in the muscles, joints are the most common reactions that doctors see: affect up to 10% of patients taking statins)
• Elevated CK (createnin kinase) – muscle protein, the level of which in the blood increases due to muscle damage
• Decreased CoQ10 levels
• Cognitive impairment (memory loss and/or transient global amnesia)
• Dyspepsia (symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Insomnia
• Sore throat
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Flatulence (bloating)
• Urticaria (skin rash)

In addition, according to some estimates, one 50 people on statin therapy develop diabetes as a side effect of taking a cholesterol-lowering drug. There is also a side effect of memory impairment, which he publicly wrote about in his book published in 2005 ^. American astronaut and family doctor Duane Graveline – Lipitor – memory thief .

Cholesterol reduction – which way is better?

Let’s face it, eating right and exercising is the most important thing you can do to improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. A diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables is essential to maintain normal cholesterol levels, and it also reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and many other diseases. Sports are also essential. However, for some this may not be enough.

The patient should discuss with the doctor whether to take statin drugs. Some may opt for nutritional supplements such as Red Yeast Rice

When deciding whether to take statin therapy, physicians often consider whether the patient’s drug is being used for primary or secondary prevention.

Primary prevention is an attempt to prevent the onset of a disease. For example, a doctor may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering drug to a person with high cholesterol in order to prevent a heart attack or stroke. In such situations, alternatives may be considered, including lifestyle changes. As always, ask your doctor first.

Secondary prevention is the process of treating a patient who has already had a heart attack or stroke to try to prevent a “second episode” from occurring. Such a patient belongs to the “high risk” group. For these patients, the standard of care is taking statin drugs to lower cholesterol. Studies show that in most cases, the benefits of statin therapy outweigh the risks.

Statin intolerance?

That said, not everyone can take prescription statins because of the side effects listed above. A 2009 study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, examined patients who could not tolerate statin therapy because of muscle pain, a common side effect. The results showed that red yeast rice can effectively lower LDL (bad cholesterol). According to The American Journal of Cardiology, In a 2009 study, 92% of patients who could not tolerate statin therapy due to side effects responded well to red yeast rice, which lowered their cholesterol levels.

A 2008 study found that KDR, when combined with lifestyle changes and omega-3-rich fish oil supplements, can lower LDL (bad cholesterol) by up to 42%, a result similar to drugs like Lipitor.

Another study conducted in China in 2008 and published in The American Journal of Cardiology, almost 5,000 people attended. All of them had consumed red yeast rice for almost 5 years. The researchers concluded that long-term therapy with KDR significantly reduced the recurrence of heart attacks, prevented the first heart attack, and reduced the risk of death by 33%. The researchers stated that KDR is safe and well tolerated.

More recent 2014 study analyzed 13 other studies (total 809 results)patients). As these results showed, red yeast rice lowered total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides (a fat that circulates in the blood). Red yeast rice did not cause an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol.

A 2015 study showed similar results, leading scientists to conclude: “…KDR may be a safe and effective treatment for dyslipidemia (high cholesterol) and be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with intolerance to statins. Simply put, they concluded that KDR could not only lower cholesterol levels, but also reduce the risk of heart attacks in patients who cannot tolerate the cholesterol-lowering drugs, statins.

Who should eat red yeast rice?

To be clear, the cholesterol-lowering effects of red yeast rice can be most beneficial for people at low risk of developing cardiovascular disease (non-smokers, non-diabetics) and those who have not had heart attacks, coronary stents, or strokes. In addition, red yeast rice is often consumed by patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of statins. If you have been prescribed statin medications, check with your doctor before trying alternatives.

Red yeast rice and coenzyme Q10

Statin drugs have been shown to lower blood levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Thus, those who eat red yeast rice may also consider supplementing their diet with CoQ10 supplements to maintain optimal levels of CoQ10, since even red yeast rice can reduce levels of this important enzyme that our body needs.

Can red yeast rice cause harm?

As with any supplement, it’s important to make sure you’re buying a quality product from a quality manufacturer. Rare cases have been reported of the mycotoxin citrinin in red yeast rice, which can lead to kidney failure. Leading brands have taken care of the absence of this chemical in the composition of their preparations.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take this supplement. Patients taking cholesterol-lowering statins, fibrate-based drugs, cyclosporine, or antifungals are also strongly advised to avoid CR. Patients with liver disease are advised not to take KDR as their body may not be able to absorb the supplement effectively.

Red Yeast Rice Supplements

Red yeast rice is usually taken at a dosage of 600-1200 mg twice daily. If you are taking it to lower your cholesterol, you should retake your cholesterol and liver test 3-4 months after starting the supplement to check for results. You can also supplement your supplementation regimen with CoQ10 supplements. Some manufacturers offer red yeast rice and coenzyme Q10 together in one capsule.

Those looking to optimize heart health and lower triglycerides often take red yeast rice with Omega 3 fish oil.

Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_yeast_rice#cite_ref-4
2. https://www.drugs.com/npp/red-yeast-rice.html
3. https ://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_yeast_rice
4. http://www.nytimes.com/1987/09/02/us/new-type-of-drug-for-cholesterol-approved-and-hailed- as-effective.