Can I use red yeast rice instead of a statin to lower my cholesterol?
Ask the doctors
My bad cholesterol has been rising, and my doctor suggested that I start taking a statin. I've read that red yeast rice has many of the cholesterol-lowering benefits of a statin, and I would rather go the natural route. However, I recently heard on a newscast that red yeast rice can have adverse effects on the kidneys. Is it still safe for me to take this supplement?We can't see any benefit to taking a red yeast rice supplement instead of a statin. There is no guarantee that the supplement will contain enough of the active ingredient to be effective or that it will be free of citrinin or other impurities. There are several types — and several different dosages — of statins. You should consider talking to your doctor about finding one that suits you.
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