Red Yeast Rice
Commonly used for
Heart HealthMetabolic Health
Where to Buy
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The cheapest product is usually low quality, but more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
What is it? / Overview
Red yeast rice naturally contains monacolin K a compound chemically identical to lovastatin. It can lower LDL cholesterol but carries many of the same precautions as prescription statins.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Standardized red yeast rice (monacolin K content clearly stated)
Typical dose studied: Typically providing 3–10 mg monacolin K/day
Timing: Evening with food
Product quality varies substantially. Choose brands tested for citrinin contamination. Never combine with prescription statins.
How well does it work? / Evidence
~ Moderate evidence
Who should avoid it?
Avoid with: End-stage liver disease / Cirrhosis; NAFLD / MASLD — Fatty liver disease; Breastfeeding
Interacts with: Statins — do not combine; CYP3A4 inhibitors; Excessive alcohol
Already taking it? Monitor liver enzymes and muscle symptoms similarly to statin therapy.
Research & references
ESC discussions on red yeast rice. Cicero AFG et al. Red yeast rice and cholesterol. Systematic reviews on red yeast rice.
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