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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Red yeast rice pills could be one of the keys in helping people lower their cholesterol levels.
Researchers studied a group of 62 patients, who were at risk of heart attack or stroke because of their abnormally high levels of low-density lipo-protein (LDL) cholesterol.
All 62 patients had experienced muscle pain or weakness as a result of taking statins, the standard care for lowering LDL cholesterol.
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Patients in the study were randomly assigned to either 1800 mg a day of red yeast rice supplement or a placebo. Simultaneously, patients in both groups enrolled in a lifestyle change program that included weekly meetings and education on cardiovascular disease, nutrition, exercise and relaxation techniques.
After testing both groups at 12 weeks and again at 24 weeks, the group taking red yeast rice had the best outcome.
SOURCE: Annals of Internal Medicine, June 16, 2009
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