Here’s an example of a supplement that can actually replace medical statins for some people. If you are experiencing moderately elevated cholesterol and want to do something preventive, listen up.
Red Yeast Rice (RYR) is a fermented rice product that contains a compound called monacolin K, which is chemically the same as the prescription drug Lovastatin.
Clinical studies conducted many years ago suggest that RYR can substantially improve a variety of cardiovascular health measures. Learn more here.
Though there is an admitted lack of current data proving their worth, RYR is a go-to supplement for naturopaths and functional medicine practitioners. But it’s pretty unlikely that you would hear about it from a conventional medical doctor.
MD’s rely on large-scale randomized clinical trials (RCTs) when prescribing, which can be comforting to many. But in the world of supplements, these studies tend to be limited, because…who’s going to pay for that, and why? Most RCTs are sponsored by pharmaceutical companies with bottomless pockets and high profit incentives. In order to get regulatory approval, they invest in their own drugs. So sometimes we need to gather information from other sources. I always go to the world of functional medicine, seeking the experience of holistic practitioners who use a wide range of natural protocols to help people heal on systems level, vs. just treating symptoms.
If you research through this lens, there is a lot of compelling information to suggest that RYR can be a great solution, especially for those with moderately elevated LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) who are hesitant to take prescription drugs. Functional practitioners note that RYR can produce 20-30% reductions in LDL cholesterol in some patients when combined with diet/lifestyle modifications. They see RYR as a credible alternative when statins are not accepted or tolerated, rather than necessarily a full replacement in all cases. Learn more here.
There are some watch-outs in deciding whether RYR could be right for you. And as usual, they are related to product quality, efficacy and side effects. First, there is a lot of variability in commercial RYR supplements. Some contain significant amounts of monacolin K, some contain little or none. An unpredictable dose of the active ingredient means some RYR supplements may be less potent than prescription statins. Second, because RYR is technically a statin, it can cause some of the same side effects that prescriptions do, including liver damage and muscle weakness. And finally, poorly controlled products can contain contaminants like citrinin – a toxic substance produced by certain molds that damage the kidneys and liver. These are all reasons to buy from a professional and reliable source, which is NOT Amazon or Costco. Read more.
As always, it’s important to work with a qualified practitioner who can assess the relevance and risks of RYR for you, personally. And to understand that diet and lifestyle improvements are always part of the game. There is no supplement or medication that is going to do this for you!
