Hi Jen,
Out of all the hundreds of RYR studies, only one participant reported muscle problems, and this was attributed to this person taking other medication.
Like all drug and herbal trials, just because certain side effects don't emerge during these trial periods, does not mean that they don't 'surface' with certain people following trials. This has been the case following a great many pharmaceutical double blind controlled studies.
As Nature's Plus contains 1.7% monacolins, being 10.2 mg per 600mg tablet, it is a very potent monacolin based compound. If your friends are taking more than 600mg per day, then advise them not too, as it is unnecessary.
Alternatively, advise them to switch to the Source Naturals product, which produces 1.5% monacolins, being 9mg per 600mg tablet. Once again, no more than 600mg per day with the evening meal.
The extracts from RYR contain starch, sterols, isoflavones, and monounsaturated fatty acids. Depending on the Monascus strains used and fermentation conditions, it may contain polyketides called monacolins.
The drug lovastatin acts in a similar fashion to one of the RYR contents, 'Monacolin K'. However, the amount per volume of 'monacolin K' in red yeast rice is small (0.2% per 5 mg) when compared to the 20–40 mg of lovastatin available as a prescription drug.
So, based on the above figures, such a weak content of 'lovastatin' in RYR would probably not be able to create muscle problems.
'Monacolin K' is no longer included in the production of RYR for the US market (but is for the European and Asian markets) so that rules out any Lovastatin content of Nature's Plus creating your friend's muscle problems.
So, what's left?
Well, there are thirteen other 'known' monacolins, several of which are present in certain formulations of RYR. None of these to date have 'separately' been proven to reduce cholesterol. Note the word, separately.
Certain researchers suggest that red yeast rice may have other ingredients, such as sterols that might also contribute to lowering cholesterol. Personally, I believe in the mixed monacolin theory, as no sterols alone lower LDL by up to 50 to 60% as has happened to many of my family, friends and acquaintances that I have recommended RYR too over the years.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jenj770  As an added note, I take my RYR with 400 mg. COQ10 as I have been reading this is a more effective amount to be taking with this product. |
It has been established that 30mg per day of Kaneka quality manufactured CoQ10 is all that is required as a supplement for a person aged mid-thirties with no health conditions to keep ones muscles, especially the heart in tiptop condition.
This intake rises to 400mg when one reaches one's seventies.
As statins inhibit the liver's production of Co-enzyme Q10 it has to date not been established that any form of Red Yeast Rice does.
Having said that, for people in their fifties, 100mg daily, rising to 200mg daily when in their sixties and 400mg daily for the over seventies is highly recommended, whether taking or not taking Statins/RYR.
Yak e Dar.
