Japanese Pharmaceutical Company Reports Deaths Linked to Supplements
A Japanese pharmaceutical company, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, has reported two more deaths potentially related to its dietary supplements on Thursday, March 28, 2024. The supplements in question are “Beni Koji Choleste Help” and two other products that contain an ingredient called red yeast rice, also known as “beni koji,” which is believed to aid in lowering cholesterol levels.
Health Scare and Investigation
The recent announcement has brought the total number of deaths under investigation by the company and the health ministry to four, with over 100 other individuals hospitalized. The company stated that they were informed by a bereaved family about a person who had passed away due to kidney disease after using Choleste Help. Another individual who had used Choleste Help in the past was also reported to have died.
Public Disclosure and Supply Chain
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical is currently in the process of confirming the facts and causal relationships in these cases. The company has decided to make this information public promptly. In addition to its own products, the company has supplied red yeast rice to approximately 50 other companies in Japan and two in Taiwan.
Red Yeast Rice and Health Risks
Red yeast rice is often considered an alternative to statins for lowering high cholesterol levels in medical studies. However, there are warnings about potential risks of organ damage depending on its chemical composition. As a result of these concerns, numerous Japanese companies that used the red yeast rice provided by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical have issued recalls.
Affected Products
The affected products include various health tablets, as well as a rose-colored sparkling sake, salad dressing, bread, and miso paste commonly used in traditional Japanese dishes.