BfArM warns against Red Rice dietary supplements

The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) again warns against the consumption of "Red Rice" products (red rice) with the ingredient Monakolin K. Products with a daily dose of 5 mg Monakolin K are to be classified as medicinal products.

Red rice in focus of the medics. Image: © nast7 - fotolia

Red Rice "Red Rice" is a fermentation product of ordinary rice treated with a food-grade red mold fungus. It is traditionally used in Asia to treat complaints of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system, and as a coloring, seasoning and preservative for fish, pork, tofu, rice wine and poultry. Also in Europe, Red Rice products are available as a dietary supplement.

The Monascus purpureus rice contains, among others, Monakolin K, which is identical to the drug lovastatin, which, like commercial statins, inhibits cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Therefore, red rice preparations may have the same effect as medicines containing lovastatin. In studies with various Red Rice products, a significant pharmacological effect has already been demonstrated at doses of 5 mg or more per day.

Monakolin K itself can cause many undesirable effects such as skeletal muscle damage and liver damage. Thus, taking these supplements and cholesterol-lowering medicines can lead to side effects such as muscle damage. (Pm)