Q&A: Red Yeast Rice and Statins

by Dr. Stephen Sinatra

Filed Under: Heart Health, Cholesterol, Q&As

Last Reviewed 03/25/2013

Q&A: Red Yeast Rice and Statins

What do you think of red rice yeast? Is that the same as a statin?

Yes, it is. I don't really recommend red rice yeast. Just like any drug, you have to be careful about side effects. If you're taking it on your own, you may not know what to look for. If you're concerned about your cholesterol level, there are plenty of other choices to bring it down, such as niacin 2–3 grams a day. And remember that the best cholesterol-reduction program is a high-fiber diet that contains lots of the phytosterols found in fruits and vegetables. (That's why vegetarians so seldom have a problem with high cholesterol.)

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Meet Dr. Sinatra

Dr. Stephen Sinatra is a highly respected and sought-after cardiologist and nutritionist with more than 30 years of clinical practice, research, and study. His integrative approach to heart health focuses on reducing inflammation in the body and maximizing the heart's ability to produce and use energy. More About Dr. Sinatra