Cholesterol lowering supplement

Question
I was told that "Red Yeast Rice"- "Gupulipid"
was good for lowering cholesterol.
Is this true?
Is there a recomended amount if it is true?
Is this harmful?

Thanks Rick  

Answer
Rick,

Half truths.

Authentic "Red Yeast Rice" does contain the active ingredient in the cholesterol lowering medicine Mevacor.  The chemical name is lovastatin.  Because real Red Yeast Rice contains a prescription drug, the FDA has made it illegal to sell or distribute it in the USA.  To the best of my knowledge, this ban is still in effect.  I looked hard at the FDA website and could not find any indication that Red Yeast Rice with lovastatin is available.  If someone is trying to sell Red Yeast Rice, it probably does not contain lovastatin and therefore will not work.  Also, dietary supplements are not regulated by any agency, so a supplement with an illegal ingredient is almost certainly distributed by questionable company.  Be afraid, be very afraid.

Gupulipid seems to have a theoretical reason to work, but is does not.  It was put through a clinical trial and the patients had their LDL (bad cholesterol) go UP by 9-10% and their total cholesterol was unchanged.  Some patients developed a bad rash when taking Gupulipid.  Here is a link to the study:
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/290/6/765

I hope this helps.

Todd
www.lipid-clinic.com

1. Prev:water vs sports drinks
2. Next:How do I lose weight