A pharmaceutical company in Japan, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, is currently investigating five deaths that may be linked to dietary supplements designed to lower cholesterol. The company has issued a recall for three brands of over-the-counter tablets after customers reported kidney problems. The supplements in question contain red yeast rice, also known as “beni koji”.
Following the reports of deaths and hospitalizations, the company’s president, Akihiro Kobayashi, issued an apology for the anxiety and fear caused by their products. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has also vowed to consider all possible measures to prevent similar incidents in the future if the deaths are found to be directly related to the supplements.
While red yeast rice has been found to be effective in lowering cholesterol, medical studies have also highlighted the potential risks associated with the ingredient. Organ damage is one of the concerns, depending on the specific chemical makeup of the product. This has raised alarm bells in Japan and Taiwan, where the supplements are distributed to multiple companies for inclusion in various food products.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, along with other companies in Taiwan, have initiated recalls of products containing red yeast rice as a precautionary measure. Health authorities in Taiwan have reported cases of kidney failure potentially linked to the supplements. The presence of puberulic acid, derived from blue mold, in the recalled supplements has been identified, but its direct role in the illnesses has not been confirmed pending further examination of its toxicity.
The incident has raised concerns about the regulation of dietary supplements containing red yeast rice. Some critics have argued that the current regulatory system, implemented in 2015, is not stringent enough to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these products. There are fears that advertised effects may not always align with the actual outcomes of consuming these supplements.
Overall, the investigation into these deaths serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with dietary supplements. Consumers are urged to exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals before incorporating such products into their daily routine.