Red yeast rice is a product of yeast grown on rice and is served as a normal part of the diet in some Asian countries. Extracts of red yeast rice have been used in China for hundreds of years to treat patients with circulatory and digestive disorders. It also has been known for many years to lower LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff).

Researchers writing in the January 15, 2010 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology reported that red yeast rice lowered LDL comparable to the cholesterol lowering prescription drug pravastatin (Pravachol).  Certain types of red yeast rice cultivated with a specific mold actually contain lovastatin which is the cholesterol lowering drug Mevacor!

These findings show great promise in patients who are forced to discontinue various cholesterol lowering drugs because of the fairly frequent side effect of muscle aches and pains. In these patients  the red yeast rice was well tolerated and could be a treatment option in the future.

One of the main problems now is making the determination as to whether to classify red yeast rice as a drug or as a dietary supplement which would then involve the Food and Drug Administration. Their involvement would be necessary in order to regulate and control for contaminates and consistency between different manufacturers.

If you have high cholesterol and either can’t tolerate the current cholesterol lowering drugs or you would rather take something that is thought to be better tolerated in many patients, discuss it with your doctor.  bjmdjd

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American Journal of Cardiology · cholesterol lowering drug side effects · health · healthcare · high cholesterol · LDL · lovastatin · pravastatin · red yeast rice · wellness