It’s important to take your cholesterol levels seriously; over time, high cholesterol can put you at risk of health issues like narrow arteries, heart attack, and stroke, the NHS warns. Luckily, there are many lifestyle changes you can take in order to lower your bad cholesterol and your risk of these things. That includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a good sleep schedule. Another possibility is to take medication to help keep the issue at bay. In addition to prescriptions, there are a few over-the-counter supplements that may boast heart-healthy benefits like lower cholesterol. Unfortunately, though, not all of these supplements are effective, and some may even be unsafe.
To help you stay aware about the possible risk of dietary supplements that claim to lower cholesterol, we spoke to nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet. She told us that red yeast rice may be both ineffective and unsafe due to varying quality and potency. Learn more about the possible ineffectiveness and side effects of this supplement below.
READ MORE: Experts Warn This ‘Healthy’ Food Could Be Raising Your Cholesterol
Why red yeast rice may not be effective or safe
Richards explains that red yeast rice is frequently marketed as a dietary supplement that can help lower cholesterol due to the fact that it contains an active compound called monacolin K. "This is similar to the active ingredient in some prescription statin medications used to lower cholesterol levels," she notes. However, unlike prescription medications, she points out that "the quality and potency of red yeast rice supplements can vary widely, making it difficult to determine a safe and effective dose." For this reason, it's possible that this supplement could do little to lower your cholesterol.
In fact, red yeast rice supplements aren't approved by the FDA. "The FDA has warned against the use of red yeast rice supplements, as they may contain levels of monacolin K that are not disclosed on the label and may therefore be unsafe," Richards warns.
Potential side effects of red yeast rice
In addition to the fact that red yeast rice may not be effective, consuming this supplement also puts you at risk of harmful side effects. "While some studies have shown that red yeast rice can lower cholesterol levels, it can also have potential side effects such as muscle pain, liver damage, and digestive problems," Richards tells us. Yikes! That's not worth it—especially since you may not even achieve the desired effects of lower cholesterol.
READ MORE: 2 Easy Ways To Lower Your Cholesterol Levels, According To Experts
The bottom line
When it comes to health concerns like high cholesterol, the best choice is always to speak to your doctor in order to come up with a plan that works for you. This is an important step to take before starting any supplements—especially ones that aren't regulated by the FDA. "If you have high cholesterol, it is best to talk to your healthcare provider before taking red yeast rice or any other dietary supplement to lower your cholesterol levels," Richards concludes.
