In Japan, four people have died from a cholesterol-lowering dietary supplement

In Japan, four people have died from a cholesterol-lowering dietary supplement

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical

In Japan, the deaths of four people have been linked to the use of a cholesterol-lowering food supplement that contains red yeast rice. It is also known about more than 100 hospitalized.

The victims had kidney problems, informs The Telegraph.

Red yeast rice, or “Beni Koji” is an over-the-counter supplement that is taken to lower cholesterol. It is an ingredient in dozens of other products, including sake, salad dressings, and miso paste.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has recalled three of its dietary supplements, including “Beni Koji Choleste Help,” after consumers complained of kidney problems en masse.

The company received the first complaints about the impact of its product on health back in January, but did not provide this information to the government.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical analyzed the supplement and found that it may have contained “ingredients that were not intended to be added.” However, the company did not find the chemical compound citrinin, which is produced by red yeast rice, is toxic and can damage the kidneys.

Currently, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical is conducting an investigation together with the Ministry of Health of Japan.

We will remind, in In Indonesia, the court proved the connection between the deaths of 200 children and cough syrups.