Red Yeast Rice to Lower Cholesterol

Red yeast rice is obtained by fermenting rice with red yeast. This red yeast is clinically known as Monascus purpureus. Red yeast has been widely used in China for preserving food, adding color to food, and as an ingredient in rice wine. The ability of red yeast rice to lower cholesterol comes from the fact that the rice acts like the statin drug, lovastatin. Studies show that the level of LDL cholesterol was lower in people who regularly consumed the supplements of this product than those who took other supplements.

Does Red Yeast Rice Help Lower Cholesterol?

According to research conducted in China, people suffering from heart attacks who were given extracts made from red yeast rice experienced reduced frequency of heart attacks and the risk of death showed a fall of 50%. Another study revealed a reduction in heart attacks by 45%. This was found in patients who took Xuezhikang (XZK, extract made from red yeast rice). The reduction was due to a cholesterol-lowering compound in the rice.

Fish oil supplement when paired with red yeast rice showed significant effects in lowering cholesterol. This has to be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Apart from being effective against cholesterol, the rice has also been used by the Chinese to treat abdominal pain. It was also used as a digestive stimulant and to promote blood lipid regulation in the body.

Red yeast rice, also known as the Asian dietary supplement, increases HDL cholesterol level in the body. This cholesterol type is regarded as 'good' cholesterol. Unhealthy fats are also reduced by its use.

Considerations and Side Effects

Red yeast rice may trigger side effects like mild gastrointestinal upset and changes in liver enzymes. The side effects may also include condition such as rhabdomyolysis. This condition is rare and involves breakdown of muscle tissue. This in turn leads to kidney failure.

Other side effects include headache, indigestion, bloating and gas. One may feel dizzy and experience heartburn, accompanied by pain in the muscles. Joint pain, inflammation of the liver, and damage to peripheral nerves are also possible side effects.

The human body naturally produces a certain substance known as CoQ10. This substance is responsible for the operation of mitochondria. The mitochondria is a part of the body cell that produces energy. Red yeast rice may hamper the body's production of CoQ10.

Red yeast rice may interfere with certain antibiotics, protease inhibitors, and fibrates. So it is wise to consult a medical professional about any other medicines or supplements you are taking before going for the product. Other drugs which may result in severe side effects upon interacting with this supplement include clarithromycin, erythromycin, diltiazem, fenofibrate, amprenavir, sildenafil, etc.

Expectant and nursing mothers are not advised to take this product. It is also not recommended by people suffering from liver disorders, acute infections, and certain kidney diseases.

Although most people may benefit from red yeast rice for lowering cholesterol levels, they become susceptible to side effects too. Seeking medical advice is considered a cautionary step before administering this product on a daily basis, as the risks may lead to severe problems.