Red yeast rice is a natural product that has been used for centuries in Asia to improve heart health. However, not all rice products are created equal. Some brands of rice contain high levels of mold and toxins, which can actually damage your health. In this blog post, we will list seven red yeast rice brands to avoid, as well as some safer alternatives.
Red yeast rice is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used in dietary supplements for centuries.
If you want to reduce your blood cholesterol level with red yeast rice pills, you should know that it will almost certainly be a crapshoot.
Red yeast rice include Monacolin K, a chemical present in red rice, lowers low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels, making it similar to the prescription drug lovastatin. (inhibitor used to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease).
Our take Caution Red yeast rice is capable of lowering blood cholesterol level and heart and kidney disease too.
The difference is that monacolin K may only be found in half of the supplements on the market, while the other half do not contain it.
So, by taking these pills, you would be neither saving money nor receiving treatment for your high cholesterol.
There’s a good chance you’ll just come across a few companies that include significant amounts of Monacolin K in their products.
The following Red Yeast Rice brand you should avoid: Spring Valley, Swanson, Only Natural, Sundance, Nature’s Plus, Mason Natural, and Solaray. As a result of this information, we’ll explain the risks associated with them. The monacolin K possesses similar qualities to the prescribed drug lovastatin, which is also related to controlling and lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.
Some products have levels of monacolin K that their cholesterol lowering effects are below the level known to lower cholesterol in clinical trials. Taking this cholesterol drug with red yeast rice might increase the risk of myopathy. Hepatotoxic drugs, herbs and supplements.
Before we move ahead let’s have a look at the below articles.
What are the Dangers of Using These Supplements?
When it comes to red yeast rice supplements, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of using them. Some brands of red yeast rice supplements have been found to contain high levels of toxins that can damage the liver and other organs.
Red yeast rice supplements are most often taken orally as a dietary supplement to enhance general health.
They are high in B-complex vitamins and are frequently used to decrease weight, regulate blood pressure, and control cholesterol level. They’re also thought to help with sleep, stress, and anxiety.
Red yeast rice pills are commonly used as a dietary supplement to boost general health and support healthy cholesterol level.
Red Yeast Rice Brands to Avoid
1. Spring Valley
This red yeast rice brands claim that a single bottle of Spring Valley red yeast rice supplements contains 120 capsules, each containing 600 milligrams of Monacolin K, appears to be correct.
However, there’s no evidence that this product contains Monacolin K.
The cholesterol lowering compounds from Spring Valley supplements are ineffective in lowering cholesterol.
Instead, several customers have stated experiencing stomach aches, dizziness, pain in bones and joints, and headaches after taking Spring Valley red rice pills.
Furthermore, these medicines are linked to vision difficulties and fatigue in some people.
The most important reason for this firm to be included in our list is that although it claimed to use Monacoin in its items, you are not sure whether they do.
If they had been upfront about the chemicals in their goods, it would have made life a lot simpler for consumers.
2. Swanson
Swanson red yeast rice products have been found to contain high levels of citrinin, a toxin that can cause kidney damage. Citrinin is a chemical by-product of the fermentation process that is used to make red yeast rice.
Swanson healthcare products help to protect the heart and maintain good cholesterol levels in the blood, as well as reducing blood cholesterol levels.
You may be somewhat familiar with lovastatin as someone taking cholesterol-lowering medications. This substance has the potential to harm the heart attack kidneys and muscles.
It may also induce serious health issues when used with other antibiotics, antidepressants, other cholesterol medicines, and antifungal and antiviral medications.
If you are taking any of the medications mentioned above, you should avoid red yeast rice supplements. This is because they might interact with the medication and cause problems.
3. Only Natural
The manufacturers claim that these cholesterol-lowering supplements are natural ingredients. However, if you look at the label to check the ingredients, you will not get a clear insight.
If a company is known, they must at the least offer proof to consumers so that they may feel confident.
Additionally, they haven’t specified the amount of Monacolin K utilized in their supplements.
These supplements haven’t been found to assist lower or controlling cholesterol, as far as we can tell. This implies they may not include Monacolin K at all.
The most common reason not to advocate for Only Natural supplements is the occurrence of rashes and skin allergies in users.
It doesn’t help lower cholesterol or even control cholesterol levels which indicated that it might not even contain monacolin K.
4. Sundance
Sundance is a red yeast rice products that is often used to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. However, there have been several reports of adverse effects associated with this particular brand, including liver damage, rashes, solgar red yeast rice, and more.
Solgar red yeast rice is free of gluten, dairy, sugar, preservatives and any artificial flavor.
It’s critical to realize what kind of herons you’re dealing with because you never know if they contain a plant or herb that you are sensitive to.
There’s also no evidence that they help to reduce high cholesterol levels.
Overall, Monacolin K is found in several brands of red rice supplements. In addition, there is evidence of it in Sundance pills. “Each capsule contains 600 mg red rice yeast,” according to the label.
5. Nature’s Plus
This red yeast rice brands has been known to put out products that have high levels of citrinin, a toxin that can cause renal failure.
According to the Food Development Authority, this brand lacks “adequate ingredient transparency.”
The term “all-natural” refers to the ingredients used in a manufacturer’s capsules. It implies that they use natural components and don’t disclose them.
Each pill contains 600 mg of red rice, but we aren’t sure whether it includes Monacolin K.
Nature’s Plus has a poor consumer rating. The capsules are said to be huge, and it is difficult to swallow them without causing discomfort in the throat.
6. Mason Natural
Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, and Gelatin are listed on the label of these red yeast rice pills (bovine). It means there’s little evidence that they contain Monacolin K to reduce cholesterol.
In reality, they do the exact opposite. At least, according to consumers, this is what happens. After ingesting Mason Naturals red yeast rice capsules, many individuals reported an increase in their cholesterol level.
Furthermore, these pills are enormous, and as a result, they are difficult to swallow.
The manufacturer claims that the product includes natural herbs, but there is no information on herbs included. So, if you don’t want to develop allergies or rashes, stay away from these pills.
However, if you’re still unsure, check out the consumer feedback. It’s a toss-up whether it’s worthwhile taking a gamble; it is entirely up to you whether or not you want to take a chance.
7. Solaray
These pills are free of pesticides, germs, heavy metals, and major allergens. Furthermore, these capsules have been tested for strength, identity, and purity in the Naturaceutic’s laboratory.
However, this is all that the brand claims. The Food Development Authority has not verified any of this.
There are several excellent features of this brand and I’m not suggesting it because the FDA has yet to evaluate them. Is it what you’re thinking?
But don’t worry, we haven’t picked this brand at random; we’ve done our research and looked at the customer reviews.
After utilizing the supplements, a consumer reported feeling pain in their legs. Many individuals experienced stomach pains and severe headaches.
It’s possible that the disease is isolated to a single individual. But with so many people affected, it no longer appears to be a fluke.
So, this is what you need to know about red yeast rice brands to avoid. If you don’t want your cholesterol levels to rise above where they are now, you should avoid these products.
Here is what Dietitian Nutritionist Mary Donkersloot say about red yeast rice brand to avoid.
But, because of the levels of monacolin K, these products are considered by the FDA to be unapproved new drugs and are not sold legally in the United States.
3 Recommended Red Yeast Rice Brands
There are a few red yeast rice brands that are recommended by experts. These brands are considered to be safe and effective. Here are three of the best-buying red rice brands:
But before we move ahead I would like to say that It is also important to mention that pregnant or breastfeeding women should NOT take red yeast rice supplement.
1. Arazo Nutrition
Arazo Nutrition is a trusted brand for red yeast rice brands. The products are made with all-natural ingredients and are GMP certified.
Furthermore, these pills are free of Citrinin, which may induce kidney damage if consumed in excessive amounts.
You will get a total of 120 capsules in the pack and Each capsule in a pack contains 1200 gm of red yeast rice. You won’t need a prescription for these because they aren’t recognized by the FDA, improper ingredient transparency. They’re available over-the-counter.
Arzo Nutrition’s red yeast rice brands to avoid becuase this made with natural edibles, healthy lipid levels, and aid in the reduction of cholesterol.
2. Thorne Research Choleast
Thorne Research Choleast is a popular and trusted brand. Tested by a variety of professional teams including eleven US Olympics.
Additionally, these capsules support heart health, maintain healthy levels of lipids, and help control the levels of cholesterol.
Additionally, Thorne Research Choleast supplements comprise the considerable amounts of Monacolin K, Coenzyme Q 10 as well as red yeast rice.
In the end, it helps keep your cholesterol levels in check and reduce them, thereby improving your health, losing weight, and preventing any adverse consequences. If this is to be what you’re seeking then this is the best option for you.
3. Puritan’s Pride
We suggest can be found in Puritan’s Pride. Not that Puritan from the novel, but an authentic red yeast rice brands. It is made with the purest ingredients upon scientific research.
If you’re tired of the poor quality rice brands made of red yeast which don’t aid you not a little bit, despite claims of being large, normal range then here’s the most effective alternative you can find.
The capsules are made from red rice powder that is already abundant in Monacolin K.
Furthermore, Puritan’s Pride supplements made of red yeast are tested for quality and purity as well as consistency. They also have coenzyme Q 10 that provides antioxidant assistance.
So, these are 3 brands of red yeast rice we would suggest for those who want to lower the overall level of cholesterol in your blood. But, there are some points to keep in mind prior to using these supplements.
Do not take the capsules of red yeast;
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Alcohol
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Grapefruit Juice
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Other statins
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Niacin
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Gemfibrozil
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Hepatotoxic medications
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other supplements
What To Check Before Buying Red Yeast Rice Brands?
Before you try any of these brands, be sure to seek advice from an expert.
There are a variety of brands on the market. Therefore, before you purchase any brand it is important to know which one you should look for in order to figure out which one is the best for you.
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It is essential to check whether it has an ingredient known as lovastatin, as well as monacolin K since they are active ingredients that reduce cholesterol levels. If the product doesn’t contain these ingredients, then it is not efficient in managing high cholesterol levels or weight loss.
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Examine the amount of monacolin K or lovastatin in every pill or capsule. The lower the percentage, the better the results and the more efficient the supplement.
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Be sure that it is an extremely high level of capacity or else it will not be effective in reducing blood cholesterol or losing fat. If the label reads “high potency” it means that the product is highly effective in dropping blood cholesterol and losing excess weight.
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Additionally, it should contain as few ingredients as is possible. This will reduce the risk of suffering from any adverse negative effects. The active ingredients in the product should be natural, or they’ll be more effective than those manufactured synthetically.
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It is recommended to be sure to check whether the company behind this Red Yeast Rice brand has an excellent reputation. Check good manufacturing practices of the brand. You can check this through online reviews of customers or by calling the company’s customer service to see whether they have any complaints.
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Check to ensure that the product is free of artificial preservatives, additives, flavors, or colorants.
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it’s better to buy from your nearest pharmacy, qualified health care professional like a naturopathic or medical doctor, or health food store.
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So, you may still have the same side effects as the statin drugs.
FAQs
Do doctors recommend red yeast rice?
Yes, red yeast rice is recommended by some doctors as a way to lower cholesterol.
Is Red Yeast Rice Safe
Yes, it’s safe as per the research of NCCIH, Red Yeast Rice is safe and it helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
Is red yeast rice bad for your kidneys?
Yes, people has kidney or thyroid problem should not take red yeast rice supplements. If you have problems with your bones, muscles or joints, liver diseases or have a higher chance of getting cancer, it is best to avoid taking this.
Conclusion
Red yeast rice is a popular natural remedy for low cholesterol, but not all brands are created equal. Some red yeast rice products contain high levels of lovastatin and monacolin K. If you’re taking red yeast rice to lower your cholesterol, it’s important to choose a product that doesn’t have too much lovastatin. Talk to your doctor if you’re not sure which brand of red yeast rice is right for you.