(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Red yeast rice pills could be one of the keys in
helping people lower their cholesterol levels.
Researchers studied a group of 62 patients, who were at risk of heart attack or
stroke because of their abnormally high levels of low-density lipo-protein (LDL)
cholesterol.
All 62 patients had experienced muscle pain or weakness as a result of taking
statins, the standard care for lowering LDL cholesterol.
Patients in the study were randomly assigned to either 1800 mg a day of red
yeast rice supplement or a placebo. Simultaneously, patients in both groups
enrolled in a lifestyle change program that included weekly meetings and
education on cardiovascular disease, nutrition, exercise and relaxation
techniques.
After testing both groups at 12 weeks and again at 24 weeks, the group taking
red yeast rice had the best outcome.
SOURCE: Annals of Internal Medicine, June 16, 2009
