Severe Reactions Related to the Use of Red Yeast Rice

Who Red yeast rice is a supplement that people often use to help reduce their cholesterol levels. The product requires a special type of red yeast (Monascus purpureus) that is fermented over rice. The supplement contains monacolins,especially one known as lovastatin. Lovastatin is a very popular statin drug that is prescribed by doctors to help reduce the levels of cholesterol. Many people are turning to the supplement as they have the same effects as statins, without the side effects.

There are many different benefits associated with taking red yeast rice, however it should be noted that the product adds to rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is basically the destruction or death of the skeletal muscle. This is a well known side effect of statin drugs and it is very common in people who have had renal transplants.

The red yeast rice supplement has some of the same side effects like many of the widely used statin drugs. Research studies done on lab mice show that if given large quantities of red yeast rice, there was a rapid reduction in the levels of their coenzyme Q10.

Finally many of the red yeast rice products that were tested show that it contains Citrinin. Citrinin is a fungal metabolite that is very toxic.

FDA Has Warning About Red Yeast Rice

People who take the red yeast rice supplement should look at warning that was issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The warning states that there are 3 different types of products that consumers should avoid as they contain ingredients that could be harmful to a person’s health. The red yeast rice products in question are a supplement that has the ability to reduce high cholesterol.

The red yeast rice products that the FDA says that people should stay away from are Cholestrix that is created by Sunburst Biorganics, Red Yeast Rice Policosonal Complex created by Kabco Inc and Red Yeast Rice sold by Swanson Healthcare Products . According to tests done by the FDA, these products often contained lovastatin, a common ingredient in statin medications that are used to help lower high cholesterol levels.

The FDA is against these particular supplements as they contain lovastatin, a drug that can cause kidney problems and muscle issues. The red yeast rice can also interact with drugs to treat fungus infections, HIV and a host of other drugs. It can also interfere with statin drugs that are used to reduce cholesterol.

The FDA issues statements to these companies that told them to remove all these products for consumer shelves, until their formulation has been changed. The FDA also has within their power the ability to seize these products that do not comply.

Red Yeast Rice Capsules

red-yeast-rice-capsulesWhat Are Red Yeast Rice Capsules?

Red Yeast Rice capsules are softgel tablets that contain the popular health ingredient, red yeast rice. It is a natural compound that contains mevinolinic acid and monacolins.

It is possible that the use of red yeast rice depletes Coenzyme Q10 levels. Therefore, it is suggested that those who take red yeast rice also supplement with CoQ10.

Chinese Red Yeast Rice can be a healthy addition to your diet. Two capsules contain 1,200 milligrams of Chinese Red Yeast Rice derived from an extract of the Chinese botanical Monascus purpureus.

Red Yeast Rice Capsules Directions

To get the best benefits from the pills, adults should take 2 600mg oone or twice daily. This should be done after you have eaten. You should not exceed more than 4 red yeast rice tablets in more than 1 day. You should also store them in a dry and cool place.

Typical Tablet Ingredients

Most red yeast rice tablets contain Rice Powder, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Gelatin, Silica. No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No Soy, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Fish. Sodium Free. Red Yeast Rice Pills Warnings

You should not take these pills if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. If you are nursing you should also not take these pills. The reason for this is because it condotains a chemical that is known to harm the fetus. You should also avoid red yeast rice pills if you have liver disease.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if you have any severe side effects. These include but are not limited to muscle weakness, pain, rash or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Red yeast rice pills are not made to be taken by people under the age of 18. Keep out of reach of children. The product should not be used if the seal contained under the cap is missing or broken.

Legal Statement

It should be noted that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved or given validity to these statements. The red yeast rice product is not proposed to cure or treat people who suffer from high cholesterol.