What's also unknown is what happens when you combine a statin drug like red yeast rice with the other ingredients in "CholestProtect" - do they work well together, does the potential for side effects increase with a multi-agent drug? The seller isn't saying.

While much info can be found on an internet search I think it's wise to point out that many components of a healthy diet will also increase good cholesterol. Such foods as green leafy vegetables and other sources of soluble fiber, fish and omega 3 oils, and limiting red meats are some suggestions.

I avoid trans fats and reduce saturated fats, use olive oil, nuts (no salt or added oils), drink red wine daily, and take calcium supplements.

The usual suggestions of aerobic exercise, maintaining a normal weight, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption are also part of a healthy lifestyle and can improve HDL levels.

For most people it's really not necessary to use pharmaceuticals to maintain healthy HDL levels. Abusing one's body and expecting drugs to "cure" the problem is not sensible. Also it doesn't work long term and is costly in many ways, not only financially.

"For many people it's really not necessary to use pharmaceuticals or poorly studied and unproven "miracle" supplements to maintain healthy HDL levels."

Of course, even if we all had sufficient willpower and could consistently follow good eating and exercise habits, many of us with unfortunate genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease would still benefit from drugs to lower detrimental blood lipids. And there are some drugs with long-term beneficial effects. What's important is to educate ourselves on what's been shown to work, and not to fall for slick advertising hype that's lacking in evidence.

More info on the role of good diet and exercise here.