Red Yeast Rice: Does It Have the Same Side Effects as Statins?
Dear Domenico,
Fermented red yeast rice is obtained from the fermentation of common cooking rice by the fungus Monascus purpureus; a process that leads to the formation of a series of substances including monacolin K, which is capable of reducing blood cholesterol concentrations. This action occurs with a daily intake of 10 mg of monacolin K, as stated by Regulation 432/2012 of the European Commission. Monacolin K can therefore be considered a true “vegetable statin” with a structure similar to that of molecules present in drugs that help control cholesterol. For this reason, the same side effects cannot be excluded, but it is usually better tolerated than synthetic statins. Also because the recommended quantities are much lower. To learn more about fermented red yeast rice, I invite you to read what is published on our blog.
If you decide, in agreement with your doctor, to take fermented red yeast rice, I would recommend Cardiol Forte. It is a dietary supplement that, thanks to its components, helps maintain cholesterol under control, but also supports normal cardiac function and the regular metabolism of homocysteine. One capsule of Cardiol Forte contains 10 mg of monacolin K combined with fish oil rich in omega-3 EPA and DHA, and olive fruit extract rich in hydroxytyrosol which counteracts the oxidation of bad cholesterol. It also contains as much as 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 to counter possible side effects of red yeast rice. Together with B vitamins, CoQ10 helps regulate energy metabolism.
