Hey amigos, here's a health alert 🚨 coming straight from Japan! Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, a well-known drugmaker, has found an unexpected substance called \"puberulic acid\" in their popular red yeast rice supplement \"beni-koji.\" 😱
This substance, which comes from blue mold (yeah, yikes!), was discovered after reports of people getting seriously ill. So far, there have been five reported deaths 😢 and over 100 hospitalizations. Almost 700 others are seeking medical advice—it's that serious.
The affected individuals are mostly between 40 and 70 years old, but the ones who sadly passed away were between 70 and over 90 years old.
So what's the deal with puberulic acid? While it's known for its antimalarial properties, experts aren't sure how risky it is when ingested in supplements or if it can damage your kidneys. More research is definitely needed! 🔬
The specific product in question is called \"beni-koji choleste help,\" which is supposed to help lower cholesterol. It was made at Kobayashi's factory in Osaka.
The company's president, Akihiro Kobayashi, mentioned that although they don't export a ton, some of their products do make it overseas—including possibly to our side of the world! 🌏 He assured that everyone, whether in Japan or abroad, will be compensated fairly once they figure out exactly what's going on.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical is still trying to figure out how this unwelcome guest made its way into their supplements. In the meantime, they've started recalling products made between April and December last year.
Stay safe out there, and if you're using any supplements from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, it's probably a good idea to check in with your doctor! 🩺
Reference(s):
Unintended substance found in Kobayashi Pharma's supplements in Japan
cgtn.com
