Red Rice Yeast Vs. Pantethine to Lower Cholesterol

Red yeast and pantethine are two dietary supplements that have been found to be effective in lowering cholesterol levels. While both products are relatively safe and free of side effects, some controversy surrounds the use of red yeast because it naturally contains the compound that makes up lovastatin, a prescription drug.

Definitions

• Lipids: Fats. These include cholesterol, steroids, triglycerides and fatty acids.

  Cholesterol: A steroid produced by the body and acquired through the diet. It plays an important role in maintaining the structure of cell walls. It is also required for the synthesis of other steroid hormones and some fat-soluble vitamins. Cholesterol is a vital substance in the body that is needed for life; however, the body creates all that it needs so it is not necessary to have it in your diet.

  LDL: Low-density lipoprotein. A molecule that carries cholesterol into the cells of the body. It is known as "bad cholesterol" because its increased levels are linked with heart disease.

  HDL: High-density lipoprotein. A molecule that carries cholesterol away from the cells of the body and back to the liver, where it can be broken down or used for important functions. It is known as "good cholesterol" because its increased levels are thought to protect the body from heart disease.

  Triglyceride: This fatty substance makes up animal fats and vegetable oils.

Red Yeast

• According to "Natural Standard" by Catherine Ulbricht and Ethan Basch, red yeast has been used medicinally in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and has appeared more recently in a number of cholesterol-lowering dietary supplements. However, it was originally developed as a food in Asian countries. It is produced by growing the yeast Monascus purpureus on rice. (This "red yeast rice" looks like fat, red grains of rice.) One of the substances it contains, monacolin K, is the compound that makes up lovastatin, a prescription drug. Because it naturally contains this drug, red yeast products have been the center of some dispute, including a case with the FDA. According to "Natural Standard," it has been found effective in lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Pantethine

• Pantethine is a compound that is related to Vitamin B5. It is a precursor to Coenzyme A, which is vital in many metabolic functions, including the breakdown and creation of lipids. According to the monograph on pantethine that was published in 1998 in the Alternative Medicine Review, pantethine dietary supplement gradually lowers the "bad" lipids (LDL cholesterol and triglyceride) while increasing the "good" lipid, HDL cholesterol.

Side Effects

• Side effects of red yeast seem to be minimal. Because it naturally contains the compound that makes up lovastatin, some of the side effects may be the same as those of the prescription drug, including muscle pain and gastrointestinal upset. According to "Natural Standard," people with liver problems should not use products containing red yeast.

  According to the pantethine monograph by the Alternative Medicine Review, pantethine appears to be almost completely free of side effects. Occasionally, it may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Disclaimer

• Discuss your cholesterol and triglyceride levels with your doctor. If your levels are high, talk about treatment options with your doctor before attempting to self-treat. There are a variety of treatment options for high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, including dietary changes, exercise, supplements and prescription drugs.