A dietary supplement of Red Yeast Rice, which lowers cholesterol, can be dangerous too. It will be helpful to you, if you know What Are The Side Effects Of Red Yeast Rice before consuming it.

Introduction: When a yeast strain, called Monascus Purpureus, is cultivated on rice grains, a dietary supplement called red yeast rice is formed. Some call it red rice, red fermented rice or red kojic rice. The rice grains become reddish purple in color because of the yeast grown on them. Chinese have been using this rice since centuries as an effective medicine in lowering cholesterol, promoting blood circulation and improving digestion, but it also has some side effects.

Comparision with statin: The scientists came to know about its side effects when FDA first called to regulate red yeast rice as other prescribed drugs. The opponents of this proposal argued that the red yeast rice might have side effects like the prescribed medicine statin (a drug given to patients with high cholesterol) because their chemicals are similar to each other. The rice contains a chemical called monacolins K similar to statin, which has the chemical lovastatin in it.

Side Effects of Red yeast rice: Red yeast rice can cause serious side effects despite it being a natural product. If percentage of red rice is higher in the red yeast rice supplement, it can negatively affect the liver in the long run. Children below 18 years of age should not be given red yeast rice supplements, but a healthy adult can take 14-55 grams of the supplement daily. If you are taking it in the form of red yeast rice extract or powder, take 600mg orally 2-4 times daily with food. The risks of its side affects are higher among those suffering from musculoskeletal problems and thyroid abnormalities. Those diagnosed with kidney/liver diseases and cancer should also avoid its intake.

Other Symptoms: You may also suffer stomach pain, stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea or gastric problem. Dizziness, headache, bloating and gas, heartburn, joint pain, muscle pain, liver inflammation, abnormal urine production and other allergic reactions are some of the other side affects of red yeast rice.

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