by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD
New research shows that red rice yeast extract, at a dose of 600 mg 2x day, is much more effective at preventing heart attacks than the cholesterol lowering medication lovastatin (one of the biggest selling drugs in the world). Interestingly, red rice yeast contains a naturally occurring form of the medication lovastatin, at a lower dose, along with other active plant compounds. Though this natural product is safer, cheaper, and far more effective than the medication, the FDA has made it illegal to sell in the US, and most products advertised as red rice yeast may not have any of the active component.
References:
Article in Medscape (free registration required).
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Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, board certified internist and best-selling author of From Fatigued to Fantastic!, is also the author of landmark published research on effective treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia. For more information on CFS, FM and other health topics, please visit his website at www.endfatigue.com.