Around eight million Brits take statins for cholesterol, but experts warn this juice can make the medication more powerful and even “toxic”
Brits who take a commonly prescribed medication could be putting their health at risk by consuming a certain drink. Combining statins with this juice could make them more powerful and even “toxic”.
Approximately eight million people in the UK are estimated to be prescribed statins. These medicines help reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (or “bad” cholesterol) in the bloodstream.
Excessive cholesterol in the blood increases your risk of several potentially life-threatening conditions, including heart attacks and strokes. While statins could therefore prove life-saving, using them carries their own hazards.
The NHS cautions that people on statins should steer clear of grapefruit juice. “Grapefruit juice can affect some statins and increase your risk of side effects,” the health body says.
“A doctor may advise you to avoid it completely or only consume small quantities.” This guidance is supported by specialists at Harvard Health Publishing.
They elaborated on the mechanism behind this risk. “Certain classes of drugs – most notably statins – are metabolised (broken down) in your intestines by an enzyme called CYP3A, which normally reduces the amount of drug that enters your bloodstream,” they said.
“Grapefruit juice contains compounds called furanocoumarins that stop CYP3A from doing its job. As a result, more of the drug is absorbed, making it more powerful than it’s meant to be – even toxic in some cases.” But they added that not all statins are affected equally by grapefruit juice. This includes rosuvastatin.
The NHS says: “You can eat and drink normally on rosuvastatin. Unlike other statins, like simvastatin and atorvastatin, it’s safe to drink grapefruit juice while taking rosuvastatin.” Moreover, a “small” amount of grapefruit is considered safe.
“Experts say it’s probably okay to enjoy a small glass,” Harvard Health continued. “That’s because the studies showing dangerous effects used massive amounts of furanocoumarins, the amount found in a quart or more of the juice.
“What’s more, eating half a grapefruit is even less risky than drinking grapefruit juice, since it takes several fruits to make a single glass of juice. But to be on the safe side, check with your doctor, and avoid taking your pills with grapefruit juice.”
Statins should also be avoided if you:
- Are trying to get pregnant
- Are pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Have liver disease.
Consuming “large amounts” of alcohol while on statins is equally hazardous. The NHS states: “If you’re prescribed a statin, you may be able to continue drinking alcohol. However, you should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week.”
Anyone worried about their cholesterol levels is advised to seek guidance from their GP.
