Cholesterol & Heart

This section covers supplements and habits linked to cholesterol and heart health. You will find product reviews, best-of guides and explainers on LDL, HDL and triglycerides.

We look at ingredient doses, the quality of the human trials behind them, and safety notes. Red yeast rice, for example, can act like a statin, so we flag it clearly. We also check fish oil freshness testing where available, plus the refund policy.

If you take a statin or other heart medication, or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using any of these products.

Is red yeast rice a safe way to lower cholesterol?

Not necessarily. Some red yeast rice products contain monacolin K, which is chemically the same as the drug lovastatin. That means it can carry the same side effects and interactions as a statin. Other products contain little of it, or contain a contaminant called citrinin. The amount varies by brand. Talk with your doctor before using it.

Source: Red Yeast Rice, NCCIH