Millions of Britons may be unintentionally jeopardising their health when consuming a popular fruit juice, according to an NHS warning. The concern arises from combining statins, a widely prescribed medication, with this particular drink, which can amplify the medication’s potency and make it “toxic”.
It is estimated that approximately eight million individuals in the UK are prescribed statins, which are a group of medicines designed to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, in the blood. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of potentially fatal conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes.
While statins can be life-saving, their consumption comes with inherent risks. The NHS advises statin users to refrain from drinking grapefruit juice, as it can interact with certain statins and heighten the risk of side effects.
“Grapefruit juice can affect some statins and increase your risk of side effects,” the health organisation cautions. “A doctor may advise you to avoid it completely or only consume small quantities.”
Experts from Harvard Health Publishing reinforce this warning, explaining the underlying mechanisms of the interaction. “Certain classes of drugs — most notably statins — are metabolized (broken down) in your intestines by an enzyme called CYP3A, which normally reduces the amount of drug that enters your bloodstream,” they noted.
“Grapefruit juice contains compounds called furanocoumarins that inhibit CYP3A from functioning properly. Consequently, more of the drug is absorbed, making it more potent than intended — even toxic in some instances.”
However, they clarified that not all statins are equally affected by grapefruit juice and a “small” quantity of grapefruit is deemed safe. “Experts suggest that it’s likely fine to enjoy a small glass,” they stated.
“That’s because the studies demonstrating harmful effects used substantial amounts of furanocoumarins, equivalent to the amount found in a quart or more of the juice.
“Furthermore, consuming half a grapefruit poses even less risk than drinking grapefruit juice, as it takes several fruits to produce a single glass of juice. But for safety reasons, consult your doctor and avoid taking your pills with grapefruit juice.”
Statins should also be avoided if you are trying to conceive, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver disease. Consuming “large amounts” of alcohol while on statins can also pose risks.
The NHS advises: “If you’re prescribed a statin, you may be able to continue drinking alcohol. However, you should not consume more than 14 units of alcohol a week.”
If you have concerns about your cholesterol levels, it’s recommended to consult your doctor.