Fermented red rice: does it have the same side effects as statins?

Dear Domenico,

Fermented red rice is obtained from the fermentation of common cooking rice by the fungus Monascus purpureus; a process that leads to the formation of a number of substances including monacolin K, which is capable of reducing blood cholesterol concentrations. This action occurs with a daily intake of 10 mg of monacolin K, as reported by European Commission Regulation 432/2012. Thus, monacolin K can be considered a true "plant-based statin" with a structure similar to that of molecules found in drugs that contribute to cholesterol control. For this reason, the same side effects cannot be ruled out, but it is usually tolerated better than synthetic statins. Also because the recommended amounts are far lower. To learn more about fermented red rice, I invite you to read what has been published on our blog.

Should you decide, in consultation with your attending physician, to take fermented red rice, I would recommend the following Cardiol Forte. is a dietary supplement that, thanks to its components, is useful in keeping cholesterol under control, but also normal heart function and the regular functioning of homocysteine metabolism. One capsule of Cardiol Forte in fact contains 10 mg of monacolin K combined with fish oil rich in the omega-3s EPA and DHA, and extract of the olive fruit rich in hydroxytyrosol, which counteracts oxidation of bad cholesterol. It also contains as much as 100mg of coenzyme Q10 to counteract any side effects of red rice. Together with B vitamins, CoQ10 helps regulate energy metabolism.