People with high cholesterol sometimes use red yeast rice supplements. ANSES is publishing an alert on the risks of this product on Thursday.
Red yeast rice is traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It is also present in many dietary supplements against cholesterol. Its consumption is not without risk, however. The National Health Security Agency (ANSES) has been consulting since October 17 a opinion on food supplements based on red yeast rice.
This mold helps maintain cholesterol levels at “a normal level” according to ANSES. It can be used as a supplement, as a replacement or as an alternative to cholesterol-lowering treatment. Yeast contains “monacolin K”, a molecule already present in statins under the name “lovastin” and its content varies from product to product.
Consumption not recommended for several types of patients
It is this fluctuation that worries ANSES. She “considers that the use of red yeast rice supplements can expose consumers to health risks. »Their consumption is not recommended for many profiles, in order to avoid undesirable effects.
Red Yeast Rice should not be consumed by patients currently being treated with statins or who have not endured such treatment. Patients suffering from progressive liver damage or predisposing pathologies (renal failure, hypothyroidism, muscular pathologies, etc.) should also avoid food supplements based on red yeast rice. The same goes for patients treated with drugs that can interfere with lipids or statins.
ANSES is extending its recommendations to heavy users of grapefruit and alcohol as well as to people with genetic polymorphisms. Sensitive people are also encouraged not to consume red yeast rice products. This concerns children, adolescents and those over 70, but also pregnant and breastfeeding women. Last February, the Medicines Safety Agency (Ansm) already sent these same recommendations.
Muscle and liver damage
Since 2009, ANSES has received 25 reports of adverse reactions. They mainly concern muscle and hepatic damage. The Agency asks the various stakeholders (patients, doctors, pharmacists) to send the various reports on red yeast rice in order to establish with certainty the risks associated with this product. Data can be sent to the following address: consultation-LRR@anses.fr.
ANSES recommends taking advice from a healthcare professional before consuming red yeast rice supplements. She also recalls that in prevention, an adapted diet and physical exercise can effectively reduce cholesterolemia. In addition, food supplements based on red yeast rice can in no way replace drug treatment.
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