Private MD News

Red yeast supplements may not provide much cholesterol support

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Individuals who have been taking red yeast to help control their heart health may want to have their cholesterol tested. A recent study found that the amount of active ingredients in these supplements varies widely, limiting their effectiveness in many cases.

Red yeast supplements have become a popular method for people with high cholesterol to get the problem under control. Clinicians have increasingly recommended the product in light of recent findings suggesting that it may benefit heart health.

However, the new study, which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that levels of the active ingredient monacolin ranged from relatively high amounts to practically nonexistent, depending on the manufacturer.

"Further oversight and standardization of the production and labeling of red yeast rice products may address some of the concerns raised in this study," the authors wrote in their report. "Until these issues are addressed, physicians should be cautious in recommending red yeast rice to their patients for the treatment of high cholesterol."