Supplement Safety in Question After Benikoji-Linked Deaths in Japan

• Products containing benikoji, a mold-derived ingredient used to lower cholesterol, were recalled in Japan after being linked to 5 deaths. The recalls raise concerns about similar products sold internationally.

• The problem in Japan may stem from contamination during production allowing harmful substances into the products. This could affect products sold outside Japan as well.

• Supplements face less stringent US FDA regulations than pharmaceutical drugs, making quality control issues more likely. Buyers should beware of potential problems.

• Studies have found citrinin, a toxic chemical, in 30% of red yeast rice supplements tested. One product had 65 times the European safety limit.

• Consumers may be better off using lower-cost generic prescription statins, which have more certainty about ingredients and safety, rather than supplements.