Beneficial Effect of a Nutraceutical, Containing Red Yeast Rice and Polycosanols, on Lipid Profile in Children with Moderate and Severe Hypercholesterolemia

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the long-term use of a dietary supplement containing red yeast rice (RYR), combined with other natural compounds, in children and adolescents with primary hypercholesterolemia. A nutraceutical, containing RYR, polycosanols, coenzyme Q10, astaxanthin and folic acid (commercial name: Armolipid), was administered once-daily in 84 children/adolescents with moderate or severe primary hypercholesterolemia. Moreover, 19 of the participants consumed 1.5-2.5g of phytosterols daily until the initiation of dietary supplementation with Armolipid. Clinical and laboratory evaluation took place before and 6 and 16 months after treatment. Nutraceutical consumption resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein - cholesterol, non-high density lipoprotein – cholesterol and apolipoprotein B levels, that remained at the long-term administration (p