From: Aleta (63.144.29.131)
Subject: Re: You might try some
Date: January 17, 2002 at 8:40 am PST

In Reply to: You might try some posted by Sharon on January 16, 2002 at 2:50 pm:

Thanks for the info. I did check Google and came across an interesting article. This was posted recently:

Is Red Yeast an Alternative to Cholesterol Drugs?

If you've been waiting for solid scientific evidence before trying supplements to lower your cholesterol, there's good news. A rigorous trial from the UCLA School of Medicine, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2/99), has confirmed that a supplement known as red yeast extract reduces cholesterol levels by an average of 40 points in 12 weeks when combined with a low-fat diet. That's about the same result you'd expect from a low dose of the popular cholesterol drug Mevacor.

Red yeast extract contains a number of cholesterol-lowering compounds known as statins, among them lovastatin, exactly the same active ingredient that's in Mevacor, and similar to those in other cholesterol medications, such as Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Zocor (simvastatin). Because red yeast extract contains lovastatin, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tried to ban the brand used in the UCLA study, called Cholestin, arguing that it's really a drug. However, last year a judge ruled against the agency, so Cholestin can continue to be sold as a dietary supplement.

Red yeast extracts are made by fermenting a strain of red yeast (Monascus purpureus) on rice. For centuries, the Chinese have produced red yeast rice preparations and used them as a heart remedy. Cholestin, the first brand of red yeast extract on the U.S. market, has been studied the most extensively, although other brands are now available. Look for products made from Monascus purpureus (not other Monascus strains).

Who might benefit
For people with high cholesterol (240 mg/dl or above), the choice is clearly statin drugs. "It's particularly important to talk to your doctor about drugs if you have very high cholesterol or heart disease," advises Michael Cirigliano, M.D., associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Not only do the drugs quickly and effectively lower cholesterol levels, but studies show that they directly lead to a reduced risk of heart attack. They also tend to be safe, although there is a slight risk of serious side effects, such as liver problems or severe muscle aches.

For those with borderline cholesterol (200 to 239 mg/dl), the decision is trickier. A five-year study showed that statin drugs cut the risk of heart disease in this group, too. But some experts believe that natural supplements may offer similar benefits, with fewer adverse effects, however, long-term studies are lacking. Several trials in China have shown that red yeast products have no toxic effects, and in the UCLA study, the liver tests of people taking the supplement remained normal. A five-year study of the safety of red yeast extract is under way.

Cost may be a deciding factor as well. A month's supply of lovastatin runs about $100, compared with $25 for red yeast extract.

CoQ10 and other heart supplements
Additional supplements may also be beneficial for those taking red yeast or a statin drug. Chief among these is coenzyme Q10, a cell-protecting antioxidant normally produced in the heart and other tissues. "Statins can deplete CoQ10 levels," warns David Edelberg, M.D., WHMD Advisor's chief medical consultant. "And low levels of this nutrient can damage the heart, especially if you already have heart disease."

In addition, those concerned about high cholesterol can benefit from the antioxidant vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E, which together help to prevent the conversion of "bad" (LDL) cholesterol to a form that can clog arteries. Another supplement to consider is the herb milk thistle, which protects the liver from damage caused by various chemicals, including possible toxicity induced by statin drugs or red yeast extracts.

Suggested dose:
Red yeast extract: 2 capsules (600 mg each) twice a day with food. For additional protection, take coenzyme Q10 (50 mg twice a day), vitamin E (400 to 800 IU a day), and vitamin C (1,000 mg a day). Add milk thistle (150 mg twice a day) if you're concerned about liver problems.

Date Posted: 01/10/2001