one ingredient in an exemplary composition comprises monacolin k derived from red yeast rice the red yeast is derived from monascus purpureos west and or other monascus species the red rice product is the result of fermentation using a mixture of monascus fungi monacolin k and other monacolin like substances inhibit the function of hmg coa reductase which is an enzyme important for the production of cholesterol in the body another ingredient in the exemplary composition is niacin also called vitamin b 3 or nicotinic acid niacin is one of eight water soluble b vitamins these b vitamins help the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose which is used to produce energy these vitamins also are essential in the breakdown of fats and proteins niacin is known to play an important role in ridding the body of toxic and harmful chemicals it is also known to be effective in improving circulation and reducing cholesterol levels in the blood although the mechanisms are not fully understood another ingredient in the exemplary composition is l carnitine a derivative of the amino acid lysine l carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative found in meat and dairy products l carnitine may be synthesized in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine deficiency in l carnitine can produce muscle fatigue cramps changes in kidney function following exercise premature aging and heart beat irregularities in someone who has had a heart attack one of the major side effects of the statin drugs is the associated myopathy statins such as lovastatin and other inhibitors of hmg coa.