News and Tips

Dr. Ramo addressed red yeast rice, and its use as a statin, in his latest appearance on KOAT’s HealthBeat.

What is a statin?

A statin is a type of drug that lowers cholesterol by reducing the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is required for the production of cholesterol, so when the enzyme is suppressed, so is the production of cholesterol.

There are a number of FDA-approved drugs that help lower cholesterol, but there are also many things to consider before taking a statin, such as cholesterol levels, tobacco use, blood pressure, heart disease, and family history.

Why are we talking about red yeast rice?

Red yeast rice is white rice grown with a yeast called Monascus purpureus. The mixture contains monacolin K, an active ingredient in many statins. While red yeast rice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, it only recently entered American medical discourse in the 1990s.

What are the dangers?

There are a few issues with using red yeast rice as a statin. The first issue is that it is often hard to know how much monacolin K a commercial product has. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health said none of the 28 products reviewed in a 2017 study had the monocolin K levels that the label claimed. Two brands had none.

This means that if a consumer is relying on commercial red yeast rice products, they are likely not getting the levels of cholesterol-reducing element they think. Any product with the monocolin K levels is also considered a drug and is not FDA-approved.

For those prescribed a statin, the safest and most effective treatment option is to use the FDA-approved statin medication rather than alternative remedies like red yeast rice. Discuss with your doctor before beginning the use of statin drug, as there can be side effects. Statins have undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, ensuring their reliability in managing cholesterol levels. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and opt for the prescribed medication to best support your health. Always consult with a healthcare provider before considering alternatives.