Two Deaths Associated with Scandalous Health Supplement in Japan
Published on: March 27, 2024.
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Two Deaths Linked to Health Scare in Japan Over Cholesterol-lowering Supplements
March 27, 2024 – A growing health scare in Japan has been linked to dietary supplements designed to lower cholesterol, with reports of over 100 people being hospitalized. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, the drugmaker at the center of the concerns, has acknowledged that there may be a connection between its prescription-free tablets and two deaths. As a precautionary measure, the company has recalled three supplement brands, including “beni koji choleste help,” which contain an ingredient called red yeast rice or “beni koji.” Red yeast rice is known for its potential to lower cholesterol, but there are also warnings of possible organ damage depending on its chemical composition.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has confirmed that a total of 75 hospitalizations have been reported related to its products. However, it is currently unclear if the number has risen as reports suggest 106 hospitalizations. The drugmaker and the health ministry have yet to confirm the updated figure. While the company has recalled the supplements voluntarily, it has emphasized that a definitive causal link between the health problems and its products has not been established.
In addition to the recalled products, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has supplied red yeast rice to approximately 50 other companies in Japan and two in Taiwan. Consequently, various Japanese firms that have used the beni koji provided by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical in their products have announced separate recalls. These products include a rose-colored sparkling sake, salad dressing, bread, miso bean paste, and various health tablets.
Health Minister Keizo Takemi has urged Kobayashi Pharmaceutical to promptly provide information on the situation, and the health ministry has instructed local authorities nationwide to gather information on any health damage caused by the supplements. Takemi expressed condolences to those affected by the issue and announced that a government meeting will be held to discuss the case and determine the necessary response.
As a result of the health scare, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s share price dropped by four percent in Wednesday trading. The company reported that the first deceased person had regularly bought one of the recalled products over a period of nearly three years. “We’re now aware of one instance where there is a potential causal link between a death and our product,” the company stated. An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause. The company has issued their deepest apologies.
While the analysis conducted by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical found the presence of unintended ingredients in the products, no citrinin, a toxic substance that can damage the kidneys, was detected. Red yeast rice is typically made by fermenting steamed rice with food fungus and is commonly used as an alternative to statin medication for lowering high cholesterol levels.
It is important to note that red yeast rice products can have potential side effects similar to statin drugs if they contain significant amounts of a compound called monacolin K. These side effects may include muscle, kidney, and liver damage. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health advises caution regarding red yeast rice products containing high levels of monacolin K.
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