Red Yeast Rice, Fish Oil and Lifestyle Changes Lower Cholesterol
A study published in the July 2008 Mayo Clinic Proceedings shows the combination of red yeast rice (RYR), fish oil, and dietary changes significantly lowers cholesterol, and does it as well as the prescription drug simvastatin. The open-label trial involved 74 participants who were split into two intervention groups: simvastatin (40 mg/day) or a combination of RYR (600 mg 2-3 times daily), fish oil (1053 mg EPA and 840 mg DHA twice daily), dietary advice to follow a modified Mediterranean diet, and increased exercise. Significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL were seen in both groups, without any significant difference between groups. However, triglycerides were significantly lowered in the RYR/fish oil group only. This a great example of a realistic naturopathic regimen that works better than the typically used drug therapy, and one that improves health overall rather than just lowering cardiovascular risk markers.
Becker DJ, Gordon RY, Morris PB, et al. Simvastatin vs. therapeutic lifestyle changes and supplements: randomized primary prevention trial. Mayo Clin Proc 2008;83:758-764
Tags: Fish Oil, Lower Cholesterol, Red Yeast Rice