What is the recommended dosage for Red Yeast Rice?

General: 1,200-2,400 mg/day providing 10 mg monacolin K; Lipid Support: 600 mg BID

What are the side effects of Red Yeast Rice?

Potential side effects include: Myalgia (muscle pain — same mechanism as statins), Gastrointestinal discomfort, Elevated liver enzymes (rare), Citrinin contamination risk in poorly manufactured products, Rhabdomyolysis (rare, at high doses).

What is red yeast rice and how may it support cardiovascular health?

Red yeast rice is fermented rice containing monacolin K, which is chemically identical to lovastatin. It has consistent clinical evidence for lowering LDL cholesterol. The CCSPS trial of 4,870 Chinese patients demonstrated significant reductions in cardiovascular events. However, monacolin K content varies greatly between products.

What dosage of red yeast rice has been studied for cholesterol reduction?

Clinical trials used red yeast rice preparations providing 2.4–10 mg of monacolin K per day. EU regulations limit supplements to products providing less than 3 mg monacolin K daily, while the FDA considers higher amounts as unapproved drugs. Product consistency and citrinin contamination are significant quality concerns.

What are the potential side effects of red yeast rice?

Because monacolin K is identical to lovastatin, red yeast rice carries the same risk of side effects: myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver damage. Some products contain citrinin, a nephrotoxic mycotoxin. Red yeast rice may interact with drugs that interact with statins. CoQ10 depletion is possible, as with all statin-like compounds.

Red Yeast Rice

herb

Also known as: Monascus purpureus, Monacolin K, Xuezhikang, Hong Qu, Cholestin

𝕏 LinkedIn

<\/script>\n

`; }, get iframeSnippet() { const domain = 'heartcited.com'; const params = 'ingredient\u003Dred\u002Dyeast\u002Drice'; return ``; }, get activeSnippet() { return this.method === 'script' ? this.scriptSnippet : this.iframeSnippet; }, copySnippet() { navigator.clipboard.writeText(this.activeSnippet).then(() => { this.copied = true; setTimeout(() => { this.copied = false; }, 2000); }); } }" @keydown.escape.window="open = false" @click.outside="open = false">

Embed This Widget

Style

Widget powered by . Free, no account required.

About

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, chemically identical to lovastatin, which inhibits HMG-CoA reductase. The CCSPS trial (4,870 post-MI patients) demonstrated Xuezhikang reduced recurrent MI by 45% and total mortality by 33%. However, the FDA has taken enforcement action against high-monacolin K products, and product quality varies enormously — citrinin contamination is a significant concern.

How It Works

Contains monacolin K — chemically identical to lovastatin — which inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis; additional monacolins and phytosterols may provide cholesterol-lowering effects beyond monacolin K alone; isoflavones and sterols provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Evidence For Conditions

Condition	Grade	Studies	Participants
High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)	A	22	8000	View →

Side Effects

Myalgia (muscle pain — same mechanism as statins)
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Elevated liver enzymes (rare)
Citrinin contamination risk in poorly manufactured products
Rhabdomyolysis (rare, at high doses)

Drug & Supplement Interactions

Statins (contraindicated — same mechanism, additive myopathy risk)
CYP3A4 inhibitors (grapefruit juice, certain antibiotics — increased monacolin K levels)
Fibrates (increased myopathy risk)
Cyclosporine (increased myopathy risk)
Niacin (increased myopathy risk at high doses)

Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take.

Related Ingredients

Berberine Curcumin Garlic Hawthorn

Quick Facts

Dosage: General: 1,200-2,400 mg/day providing 10 mg monacolin K; Lipid_Support: 600 mg BID
Forms: capsule tablet
Natural Sources: Rice fermented with Monascus purpureus yeast
Upper Limit: EU-regulated maximum: 10 mg monacolin K/day; quality varies dramatically between products
Best Time: With dinner (cholesterol synthesis peaks overnight)

Evidence Summary

High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia) A

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.