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Monacolin from Fermented Red Rice, Beneficial for Cholesterol Levels, Note the New EU Limits
October 10, 2023
Fermented Red Rice
Traditional Chinese medicine has long used red rice as a food, but it has also been part of modern European medicine for several decades.
Can red rice really lower cholesterol?
It may seem unrealistic, but references and scientific literature support this, especially a substance obtained through its fermentation.
The product of the fermentation of red rice by a yeast called Monascus Purpureus is monacolin K.
What are fermented red rice monacolins?
Monacolins are a group of natural compounds that come from the fermentation of red rice. Monacolin K is the most studied monacolin and used for its effects on cholesterol levels.
In fact, Monacolin K has a chemical structure similar to statins, medications used to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.
Similar to statins, monacolin K works by inhibiting the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), which is involved in the production of cholesterol.
Monacolin K has been shown to be effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. However, natural levels of monacolin K in fermented red rice are typically low, so it is necessary to take higher doses via supplements to achieve a significant effect.
Why are monacolins useful for lowering cholesterol?
The monacolins are useful for controlling triglycerides in the blood due to their ability to inhibit the enzyme that controls the production of cholesterol in our body (which is important for our body in proper quantities).
Numerous studies have been conducted that support the cholesterol-lowering effects of monacolins.
Let's look at the summaries of 3 studies:
A 2008 study published in "The American Journal of Cardiology" showed that taking 10 mg of monacolin K per day for four weeks reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 12.4% in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Another 2010 study published in the "Journal of Nutrition" showed that taking 200 mg of monacolin K per day for 12 weeks reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 9.3% in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
A 2016 study published in the "Journal of Nutrition" showed that taking 3 mg of monacolin K and folic acid per day for 12 weeks reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 14.8% in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
It is obvious that with successive studies (including the most recent one from 2016, to which you can find the link below) it has been sufficiently proven that even low doses of monacolins are effective.
As of June 2022, the EU has set an upper limit of 3 mg of monacolin from fermented red rice per day.
In June 2022, the European Union set new limits for the amounts of monacolins
The association of Monacolina K is not private to Rischi and Può, in alcuni casi, comportare gravi effetti collaterali. Inoltre, the effectiveness of the Monacoline dal riso rosso fermentato è paragonabile a quella di molti farmaci prescrivibili per abbassare il colesterolo. The disponibilità sul mercato di integratori with an alto contenuto di Monacoline, che possono essere assunti senza supervisione medica e, ancor peggio, in combinazione with other integratori or farmaci, ha reso necessaria l'implementazione di limiti legislativi.
For this reason, the European Commission has illegally integrated its contents at 3 mg in Monaco (dose giornaliera) a partire da giugno 2022. Questa decisione è stata presa also se l'Autorità europea for la sicurezza alimentare (EFSA) aveva già pubblicato uno studio sulla sicurezza delle monacoline nel 2018.
Monacolin K from fermented red rice side effects
The reported side effects associated with taking monakolin K include:
Gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain.
Headache (Cefalea).
Dizziness (Vertigo).
Drowsiness (sonnolence).
Increased liver enzyme levels, especially transaminases.
Itching (Prurito).
Hives (urticaria).
It is always recommended to consult a doctor before taking monacolin supplements, especially if they are to be combined with other therapies, medications or various nutritional supplements.
Another risk of taking monakolin K from fermented red rice is that if the cultivation process is not properly controlled, there may be the presence of citrinin, a toxin produced by the fungus Monascus purpureus and found in fermented red rice extracts.
Citrinin is primarily nephrotoxic, but can also be potentially hepatotoxic and carcinogenic. The regulations stipulate that it cannot be present in dietary supplements in quantities greater than 2 ppm.
How to choose a red rice monacolin supplement?
If you are looking for a dietary supplement to lower your cholesterol levels or simply keep them under control, it is advisable to first seek your doctor's opinion.
Secondly, you should not buy supplements that still contain a daily dose of more than 3 mg of monacolin, as they are illegal and harmful to health.
Fermented red rice isn't the only option for cholesterol control. There are also other well-known substances with fewer side effects, such as Coenzyme Q10, as well as plants with promising properties such as Moringa Oleifera and Fenugreek. Read more about how Moringa can help control cholesterol levels.
Finally, remember that there is a public register of dietary supplements in Italy. Always check whether a product is registered with the Ministry of Health before purchasing it online.