Is red yeast rice the same as a statin?
Red yeast rice is rice that is fermented with red yeast and used in Chinese cooking and herbal medicine. Red yeast rice is sold by many names, including the dietary supplements Cholestin and HypoCol, which claim to lower cholesterol. These preparations may contain a chemical (mevinolin) that is identical to the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin (Mevacor). In1998, the FDA banned Cholestin, deeming it an unapproved drug rather than a dietary supplement.63 In August 2007, the FDA warned customers to avoid red yeast rice products promoted on the internet because they could lead to severe muscle problems and kidney problems and interfere with other medications.64 Dietary supplements are not allowed to make claims to treat or cure disease. Drug manufacturers must prove to the FDA that their products are safe and effective before they can be sold in the US. Dietary supplements are not subject to such approval and there are no guarantees that they contain the ingredients listed on the label
