Red yeast rice, a product used in China, is made by fermenting a type of red yeast called “Monascus purpureus” over rice.It has been found to reduce cholesterol when used as a supplement.

A recent study [Ann Intern Med. 2009; 150(12):830-9, W147-9 (ISSN: 1539-3704)] examined 62 people with elevated LDL cholesterol and put them on a 12-week lifestyle program. Half of the participants took 600 mgs of red yeast rice daily and the other half took placebo. After 6 months the treatment group lowered their LDL cholesterol by 35 mg/dl compared to 15 mg/dl in the control group.The side-effect profile was the same in both groups.

Red yeast rice is basically a natural statin drug. If you decide to try it, it is important that you let your doctor know, because your liver enzymes and muscle enzyme should be checked at regular intervals when you start therapy. It is encouraging that those taking the red yeast rice did not have muscle pain as a side effect and that it was relatively safe to use. Therefore, it may be a good alternative for you if the statin drugs caused muscle pain and damage.

It is important to point out, however, that natural does not always mean it is safe. It is still a drug and it is important to look at it that way.I also think it is important to take it with at least 100 mgs of Coenzyme Q10 which has been found to protect muscle. As far as which brand to use, that is a tough one.There is no regulation over supplements. I advise my patients to look for brands that have “GMP” on the label. That is used when companies comply with good manufacturing practice, a standard that is set by the FDA.