Renewed support for red yeast rice to lower cholestorol

A new study reinforces that red yeast rice, a popular cholesterol-lowering supplement, along with lifestyle changes, can help lower weight and bad cholestorol.

While statins like Lipitor and Zocor are better at treating high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholestorol, many patients can't tolerate or refuse the drugs due to side effects or cost. This has led to an explosion in the use of over-the-counter alternatives like red yeast rice and phytosterols, another plant-based supplement.

The research, led by cardiologist David Becker of Chestnut Hill Temple Cardiology, who confirmed the cholesterol-lowering benefits of red yeast rice in 2009, aimed to examine the effectiveness of adding phytosterols to red yeast rice, along with lifestyle changes, such as an exercise regimen and a Mediterranean diet.

While all groups saw large drops in LDL and total cholesterol, those that underwent lifestyle changes had significantly greater weight loss over 52 weeks. And adding phytosterols to red yeast rice didn't give any more cholesterol-lowering benefits.

"I was very surprised to see that the phytosterols did nothing," Becker said. Phytosterols are a $500 million-a-year business, he said, and past trials have shown it to help lower cholestorol.

Red yeast rice was proven effective at lowering cholesterol in all groups, but Becker urged caution because such supplements can vary in quality.

"Supplements aren't regulated, and when you choose to use supplements, it's a little bit difficult to know exactly what you're getting," he said. People should consult their doctor before taking supplements, he said.

The study was funded by private foundations, Abington Memorial Hospital and the state of Pennsylvania, and was published in the July issue of the American Heart Journal.