Red Yeast Rice For Cholesterol Lowering?

June 18, 2008

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There has been quite a bit of news lately about red yeast rice and its use for lowering cholesterol. The short answer is yes red yeast rice can lower cholesterol. However, there are some important considerations when deciding whether to use this supplement for cholesterol lowering.

What is red yeast rice?

This is rice that has been mixed with red yeast (Monascus pupureus) and allowed to ferment. The resulting fermentation products include a group of substances that have cholesterol lowering ability. One of these substances is the compound known as monacolin K, also known as lovastatin (Mevacor). Lovastatin was the first of the prescription statins available for lowering cholesterol. The commercial synthesized statins also include Zocor, Lipitor, Pravachol, Lescol and Crestor.

What are the potential problems with taking red yeast rice?

Some brands do not control (or measure) the amount of the active ingredient. Different batches may have almost none, or huge doses of monacolin K. Almost none is obviously not going to be any help with lowering cholesterol. Too much can result in muscle damage, also known as myopathy. (PubMed)

If the red yeast rice fermentation is not properly controlled there can be harmful products made too. When a number of red yeast rice preparation were tested some of them contained citrinin, which is a toxin that will damage your kidneys. (PubMed above)

Red yeast rice can have interactions with other medications. Some which will increase the risk of muscle damage or other side effects. This list of medications that potentially may result in side effects includes all drug interactions and cautions listed for lovastatin. As with the commercial cholesterol lowering statins Mevacor, Zocor and Lipitor, no grapefruit or grapefruit-containing products should be consumed. Grapefruit, also, increases the risk of muscle damage. If you are taking any other medications fully investigate whether combined with red yeast rice there may be side effects.

The FDA has banned some brands of red yeast rice products. However, it is likely in the future that products with strict manufacturing guidelines and extensive analysis will eventually be available.

As always caveat emptor (buyer beware).

photo credit: artonice