CHOLESTEROL DIET SECRETS

 

 
Red Yeast Rice and Supplements

According to history, red yeast rice has been consumed in China as far back as AD800 (more than 1200 years ago). Today, it still is a staple diet in some parts of China. Beside being consumed as food, red yeast rice is also used as a traditional Chinese medication to improve blood circulation and alleviate indigestion and diarrhea.

Studies found that red yeast rice contains a substance called "lovastatin" which is capable of blocking the body's ability to make cholesterol, thereby helping those who consume the rice to lower their cholesterol level. However, there are also quite a number of controversies surrounding the safety of products containing red yeast rice, specifically those health supplements being promoted over-the-counter and on the Internet. Just recently in 2007, FDA has advised consumers to avoid the following red yeast rice dietary supplements:

  • Red Yeast Rice and Red Yeast Rice/Policosonal Complex, sold by Swanson Healthcare Products, Inc. and manufactured by Nature's Value Inc. and Kabco Inc., respectively.
  • Cholestrix, sold by Suburst Biorganics.

These supplements contain lovastatin, the same substance found in the cholesterol drug called Mevacor. High dosage of lovastatin may cause severe muscle problems and kidney damage. The risk is higher for those who mix lovastatin with other medicines (such as antidepressant nefazodone, antibiotics clarithromycin and erythromycin, fungal and HIV medications). Thus, it is not advisable for consumers to consume lovastatin without proper physician supervision.

Alright, let's return to red yeast rice consumption. Since red yeast rice contains lovastatin, does it mean that consumers who eat the rice is subject to the same side effects? Unfortunately yes, anyone who consumes the rice is subject to all the purported benefits, precautions and side effects. However, the risk associated with eating red yeast rice is lower compared to taking lovastatin-based supplements and drugs. Nevertheless, consumers should exercise moderation and they should disclose to their doctors that they are consuming the rice just in case they are prescribed with drugs that may react with lovastatin.

Finally, here is another precautionary note: red yeast rice (or any lovastatin products and drugs) must never be mixed with grapefruit juice, for this deadly combination could lead to liver damage.
 

This website is intended solely for the purpose of providing information about the properties and/or functions of food and/or nutritional products. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information provided should not be a substitute for professional care. You should always consult your health care provider if you have concerns about any health problem or medications.

This article is a part of the Cholesterol Diet Secrets mini course.