Does EFSA statement on Monacolin content of nutraceutical combinations impair their lipid lowering effect? The LopiGLIK experience.

Background: Monacolin-K, the active component of red yeast rice (RYR), reduces cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. Following safety concerns, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended limiting Monacolin-K intake to less than 3 mg/day due to adverse effects at higher doses.

Case Presentation: A study comparing Armolipid Plus and LopiGLIK found LopiGLIK more effective in lowering LDL cholesterol, possibly due to slightly higher dosages of Berberine and Monacolin-K. Despite reducing Monacolin-K content to 2.99 mg following EFSA guidelines, LopiGLIK maintained its cholesterol-lowering efficacy.

Conclusions: Taken together, our results indicate that other ingredients, such as Morus alba, may contribute to LopiGLIK's enhanced effectiveness, challenging the notion that minor differences in Monacolin-K dosage account for the observed efficacy.