Could red yeast rice be too effective for the pharmaceutical industry ??? Here we focus on this amazing natural substance that’s in the line of fire…

When the efficacy of certain natural cholesterol-lowering substances becomes so manifest, some "defenders of consumers rights" start sounding alarm bells, demanding that red yeast rice-based dietary supplements be subject to specific drug regulations that they claim offer greater protection… well, the recent ‘Mediator’ drug scandal in France shows just how effective these regulations are at protecting patients!!!

This consumer association hasn’t even taken the time to examine the studies conducted on this supplement which has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for decades and has also been used very successfully in Canada and Europe. We have therefore asked our partner, Smart City, whom these accusations concern directly, to provide a point by point response.

Focus on red yeast rice Red yeast rice is a fermented product of rice on which a specific strain of red yeast (Monascus purpureus) has been grown. Red yeast rice naturally contains a group of substances called monacolins, which act as inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, a liver enzyme responsible for producing cholesterol. It also contains sterols (beta-sitosterols, campesterol, stigmasterols and sapogenins), isoflavones and monounsaturated fatty acids.
Criticisms by the UFC Que Choisir (the French Federal Union of Consumers) and forthright rebuttals of their accusations

UFC : « Red yeast rice is at best useless »
According to the consumer association, the content of the active principle – monacolin K – of the 10 products tested was much lower than the 10mg/day necessary for ensuring “maintenance of normal cholesterol levels”.

Smart City : Our “Red Yeast Rice Extract” has a 2% monacolin K content. The daily dose that we recommend on our product label equates to an intake of 6mg/day, which is certainly lower than 10mg/day but is no less effective! In fact, monacolin K, which is naturally present in red yeast rice, is not the only substance that affects cholesterol levels. As mentioned, red yeast rice also contains phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterols).

UFC : «Red yeast rice is at worst dangerous »
Among the products tested by the consumer association, two had monacolin K levels higher than 10mg/day, the dose considered ‘therapeutic’. In addition, analysis identified the presence in two other supplements of toxins that were potentially harmful for the kidneys.

Smart City: Our product, if taken as recommended, provides 6mg/day of monacolin K. It does not, therefore, come into the category of ‘therapeutic’ products. In addition, we guarantee that each batch is totally free of toxins, demonstrating the absolute conformity of our products. Certificates of analysis are available for each product on our website. It should also be noted that since red yeast rice has been available in France, no cases of adverse side effects have been reported to date.

UFC : « Manufacturers do not indicate precautions for use and side effects”
According to the UFC, the majority of manufacturers fail to indicate clearly the contra-indications, undesirable side effects and interactions of this product.

Smart City: In our support material, we clearly specify that HMG-Coa Reductase inhibitors generally reduce CoQ10 production and it is therefore advisable to take a supplement of CoQ10, or ubiquinol in its reduced form, at the same time as red yeast rice. In addition, a warning about a potential contraindication is clearly visible: “Do not take red yeast rice extract if you suffer from liver disease without seeking advice from your practitioner (as it can slightly increase hepatic enzymes).”
Our supplement formulations have all been developed in line with preliminary scientific studies. In addition, we believe it is unnecessary to take high doses of a single active substance and that the body benefits more from the synergistic action of different substances naturally present in one product.
We know that the efficacy of our products, and particularly that of red yeast rice, may be worrying the pharmaceutical industry as it is sees sales of its synthetic statins fall, but we will continue our fight so that you always have a choice about the substances you use to live better, and longer.