Red Yeast Rice Treatment for Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. While it is natural to begin seeing your cholesterol levels rise as you age, if you begin seeing your cholesterol rise into high-normal, borderline or high levels, you need to begin treatment to lower the harmful cholesterol, raise the good cholesterol (HDL) and protect your cardiovascular system. Diet and exercise can only do so much and then you're faced with the choice of using a prescription medication or trying an herbal supplement, such as red yeast rice.

Understanding Red Yeast Rice Extract

• Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) has gained popularity among herbal supplement enthusiasts as a natural means of lowering cholesterol levels. This natural product is grown on rice and is actually the byproduct of yeast. It contains monacolins, which are compounds that work in your body to slow the synthesis of cholesterol. The extract is sold both as an over-the-counter herbal supplement and in prescription form. The use of red yeast rice dates back to China in 800 A.D. It has been used traditionally to aid in stomach problems, such as diarrhea or indigestion, improve circulation and support stomach and spleen function.

Using Red Yeast Rice Extract

• Like many herbs, red yeast rice (as a supplement) is not regulated by the FDA. Different brands may have different concentrations of the extract and additional ingredients. Thoroughly read the product label (and discuss it with your doctor) to determine the best dosage for you. As a general guideline, adults (18 years and older) can take 1,200 mg twice daily with food. In Asia, red yeast rice occurs naturally and is part of the traditional diet. Most people consume an average of 14 to 55 g per day. There are no scientific studies indicating that red yeast rice should be taken by anyone under the age of 18.

  According to the Mayo Clinic, various studies since the 1970s have indicated that red yeast rice extract can lower the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. While clinical research remains ongoing, some preliminary results indicate that taking the supplement by mouth could benefit the cardiovascular system and improve circulation.

Warning

• The FDA does not regulate herbal supplements, but in 2007 it issued a warning to avoid specific red yeast rice products (those sold by Swanson Healthcare Products, Inc. and those manufactured by Kabco, Inc., Nature's Value, Inc. and Cholestrix, which is sold by Sunburst Organics) as they contained the cholesterol-lowering prescription medication lovastatin. The addition of this ingredient puts consumers at high risk of kidney, liver and muscle problems.

  Red yeast rice extract has been linked to severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in some patients. Other side effects include abdominal pain, gas, heartburn, asthma, dizziness and headache. People with liver disease should not use red yeast rice extract as it could result in a worsening of the condition. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any supplementation to minimize your risk of adverse side effects or drug interactions. Red yeast rice extract works similarly to the medication lovastatin, which cannot be used for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take red yeast rice extract.