Side effects of red yeast rice

Information on Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is actually a yeast mold known by the name ofmonascus purpureus cultivated on the regular white type of rice. It can becharacterized by a purple color and it is an integral ingredient in numerousdifferent types of traditional East Asian pastries, cookies and even wines. Itwas used extensively for numerous centuries in the traditional Chinese medicinefor the prevention and removal of blood blockages. It was also used for the strengtheningof the digestive tract.

It contains the active components lovastatin andHMG-CoA reductase. It is very efficient in reducing the levels oftriglycerides, decreasing the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood andincreasing the levels of good cholesterol in the blood. Red yeast rice can bepurchased as a supplement in the form of tablets, capsules, pastes, teas andtinctures. One should not ingest more than 50 grams of red yeast rice per dayand it should not be mixed with certain other types of medicaments or supplementswhich contain mevinolin and statin.

Minor Side Effects

Minor side effects of red yeast rice commonly occur rightafter the consumption. Red yeast rice is rich in proteins, sterols, starch,fatty acids and fibers but that is usually not the case with red yeast ricesupplements. Minor side effects of red yeast rice may or may not includeheadaches, stomach pain, dizziness, liver inflammation, weakness, joint pain,indigestion, muscle pain, heartburn, gas and abdominal bloating.

Major Side Effects

Red yeast rice can sometimes be affiliated with certainsevere side effects such as myopathy. It is a medical condition characterizedby muscle pain, dizziness, high levels of creatine kinase and weakness. Red yeast rice can also trigger rhabdomyolysiswhich is characterized by tenderness, joint pain and it usually leads to kidneyfailure.

Those who suffer from heart diseases and diabetes, as well as olderpeople should steer clear of red yeast rice because it contains statin. Redyeast rice can also be associated with certain allergic reactions such as difficultybreathing, itching, difficulty swallowing, wheezing, hives, swollen lips,swollen hands, swollen throat and swollen tongue. It can also damage the liverwhich is commonly manifested by increased production of liver enzymes, darkurine and even jaundice.

Red yeast rice is also known for interactions withother medicaments such as anticoagulants, antiplatelet medication, antiinflammatory drugs, antibiotics and Neurontin. It may also react with certaintypes of dietary supplements such as grape juice, garlic, milk thistle, gingkobiloba and vitamin A.