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Personal Use in Clinical Practice
I have been using RYR in my practice for about 15 years. I have used RYR alone or mixed with other natural supplements as policosanol, guggulipid, milk thistle (Silybum marianum), and coenzyme Q10. I currently have RYR manufactured in capsular form for my patients. Each capsule contains 500 milligrams of RYR standardized for 0.4% monacolin K levels and 100 milligrams of milk thistle seeds. I have seen RYR consistently lower elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients. I try to monitor lipid levels before and after treatment. I have observed that total cholesterol and LDL levels decrease about 20% to 30%, HDL increases 5% to 15%, and triglyceride decreases 10% to 30%. This is consistent with the reported data in the scientific literature. I have prescribed RYR to over 400 patients and have dispensed about 80,000 capsules. Patients are usually very happy with the results. They can go back to their doctors with a lab test that shows decreased lipid levels. I have noted that patients on RYR have less incidence of myocardial infarction when compared with patients who do not take it or other statin therapy. I usually prescribe 2 to 4 capsules of the RYR product per day with food or meals. I also like to give some nutritional advice about diet and lifestyle changes that are beneficial for controlling elevated lipid levels along with RYR supplementation. I have observed minimal adverse side effects. Most patients do not report any side effects at the recommended dosage. I usually tell the patients to supplement with coenzyme Q10. Occasional stomach upset occurs, and rarely muscle aches and myalgia occur. I observe that about 1% to 2% of my patients taking RYR report unusual muscle pains and myalgia. I try to monitor liver and kidney function tests and also test for CPK levels in patients complaining about muscle pains. I have been very satisfied with the clinical results of using RYR to help control hyperlipidemia.
Dosage and Recommendations
I recommend using 2 to 4 capsules per day of a product that contains 500 to 600 milligrams of RYR powder standardized to contain 0.4% monacolin K content. I advise patients to take the supplement with or just after meals or food for best absorption, and to concomitantly take coenzyme Q10. I monitor lipid levels, liver and kidney function, and muscle markers such as CPK, before and during RYR supplementation.
Notes
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28. Grieco A et al. Acute hepatitis caused by a natural lipid-lowering product: When "alternative" medicine is no "alternative" at all. J Hepatol. 2009;50(60:1773–1777.
29. Red yeast [Web page]. Medline Plus. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/925.html.
30. European Food and Safety Authority. Scientific opinion on the risk for public and animal health related to the presence of citrinin in food and feed. EFSA J. 2012;10(3):2605–2687.
Douglas Lobay, BSc, ND
103B-1980 Cooper Road
Kelowna, BC V1Y 8K5
dglslby@shaw.ca
 Douglas G. Lobay is a practicing naturopathic physician in Kelowna, British Columbia. Dr. Lobay graduated with a bachelor of science degree from the University of British Columbia in 1987. He then attended Bastyr College of Health Sciences in Seattle, Washington, and graduated with a doctorate of naturopathic medicine in 1991. While attending Bastyr College, he began researching the scientific information on the use of food, nutrition, and natural healing. Dr. Lobay enjoys research, writing, and teaching others about good health and good nutrition. He is the author of four books and numerous articles in magazines. He also enjoys hockey, skiing, hiking, tennis, and playing guitar.
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