Recently, I was completing some research on Red Yeast Rice with coQ10 and I found an alarming bit of information. First let me explain what Red Yeast Rice is. I’ll get to the alarming part in a minute.
By fermenting Monascus purpureus, a type of red yeast over rice, you get red yeast rice. I know, it’s almost rocket science but stay with me for a moment! There is a naturally occurring substance in red yeast rice called monacolins. One of these monocolins, called lovastatin, converts to a substance that inhibits cholesterol production in the body. CoQ10 is added to red yeast rice supplements because tests show that along with inhibiting cholesterol, lovastatin also inhibits the body’s natural ability to produce CoQ10. Because it is essential for the body to produce energy, this enzyme is of some importance. (Sarcasm.)
Okay, now that you know a little bit about the
red yeast rice plus CoQ10 supplement, let me get to the alarming part. Because red yeast rice plus coq10 supplements contain lovastatin, which can be found in many prescription statin drugs like Lipitor, the FDA has banned it from sale in the United States. However, you can still get red yeast rice products, as long as the lovastatin has been removed. Let me be as clear as possible here. The FDA made an “administrative decision” that because this dietary supplement contained a natural herbal ingredient that was also used in a regulated drug, it could no longer be sold as a dietary supplement. What are we, in Russia? The lovastatin in the product is what makes it work. So the FDA is encouraging, no scratch those, demanding the manufacturers of this dietary supplement remove the active ingredient if they wish to sell it.
Nevermind that the Chinese have used this substance for hundreds of years with great success and put aside that there have been countless studies concluding the positive effects of red yeast rice supplements with lovastatin.
Now don't get me wrong. As with any supplement, there are safety concerns you should discuss with your doctor. For instance, red yeast rice may contain citrinin, which is a toxic by product of the fermenting process. Therefore, pregnant and nursing women, as well as those with liver disease, kidney disease or acute infections should not take red yeast rice supplements. There are also drug interactions to consider. Again, these should be discussed with your doctor.
It just seems like we take two steps forward and three steps back with our health these days. We find a product that works, and it’s yanked off the shelves. With heart disease being the top killer in the United States, you would think that an effective supplement like
red yeast rice plus CoQ10 would be embraced instead of altered to the point of impotence.
Marcy Bush - i-Supplements.com Chief Editor
