プベルル酸以外に複数化合物　紅麹サプリ、通常含まれず―厚労省など

　小林製薬の「紅麹（べにこうじ）」配合サプリメントを摂取した人から健康被害の訴えが相次いでいる問題で、厚生労働省と国立医薬品食品衛生研究所（川崎市）は１９日、原料サンプルを分析した結果、「プベルル酸」の他に複数の化合物が一部に含まれていたと明らかにした。同サプリに通常は含まれていないという。
　小林製薬の検査では青カビ由来の天然化合物プベルル酸が検出されていた。プベルル酸は抗生物質としての特性がある一方で、毒性が強く、サプリには通常含まれない。
　厚労省は、同社から過去３年分の紅麹原料のサンプルの提供を受け、健康被害の報告のあった昨年６～８月に製造されたサンプルを同研究所で分析していた。その結果プベルル酸のほか、少なくとも二つの化合物が確認された。同省などは、健康被害の原因解明を急ぐ。（2024/04/19-21:10）

More unexpected compounds have been found in some of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co.'s supplements containing "beni koji" red fermented rice, which are allegedly behind a series of health problems, it was learned Friday.
   The health ministry and the National Institute of Health Sciences said on the day that at least two compounds not normally found in the supplements were detected in an analysis of ingredient samples.
   A test by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical had earlier detected puberulic acid, a natural compound derived from blue mold, in the supplements. Puberulic acid has antibiotic properties, but it is highly toxic and is not usually included in supplements.
   The health ministry received samples of beni koji ingredients made in the past three years from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, and the national institute analyzed those produced between June and August last year. Health issues have been reported among users of supplements with the ingredients made during the period.
   The ministry is working to identify the newly found compounds and the cause of the health problems. "We want to identify them as soon as possible," a ministry official said.