When to take it
In the evening with food, once daily.
← All supplements
OtherModerate evidence
Red yeast rice
Also known as: red fermented rice, monacolin K
Red yeast rice is made by fermenting rice with the mould Monascus purpureus and contains monacolins – monacolin K is chemically identical to the drug lovastatin. At higher monacolin doses it lowers LDL cholesterol, but because of safety concerns its monacolin content is restricted in the EU.
What it is used for
- lowering LDL cholesterol – moderate evidence at higher monacolin doses, which are no longer permitted in the EU
- effect at currently permitted doses (below 3 mg) – weak evidence, the effect is smaller
Forms and how they differ
standardised extract stating monacolin content
in the EU less than 3 mg monacolins per daily dose
combinations with omega-3, coenzyme Q10 or policosanol
effect depends on the doses of each ingredient on the label
citrinin-free products
citrinin is a toxin that can form during fermentation
Pairs well with
A diet lower in saturated fat, more fibre (oats, legumes) and exercise.
Do not combine / separate
Never combine with statins or other cholesterol-lowering medicines; avoid grapefruit and substances that slow the liver's breakdown of medicines.
Watch out for
Under EU rules it is not intended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and teenagers under 18, or people over 70. If you have liver, kidney or muscle disease, or take any medicines, consult your doctor.
Safety
In 2018 EFSA concluded it could not identify a safe dose of monacolins from red yeast rice – statin-like side effects (muscle pain, liver injury) were reported even at 3 mg per day. Regulation (EU) 2022/860 therefore limits monacolins to less than 3 mg per daily dose. Do not exceed the label dose.
Practical tip
If you notice muscle pain or weakness or dark urine, stop and see a doctor. With high LDL, discuss treatment with your doctor rather than relying on a supplement alone.
Products containing Red yeast rice 2
Red yeast rice + Omega-3 fatty acidssoftgel
Red yeast rice 600 mgmonacolin K · 600 mg / capsule
How to read the evidence rating
Strong evidenceModerate evidenceWeak evidenceNo evidence
Strong = several good human studies or official recommendations; moderate = promising but smaller studies; weak = few studies or mixed results; no evidence = claims not confirmed.
Combination check
Select the supplements you take and, if relevant, your medicines. We show what interferes, what needs a time gap and what to watch out for.
Check Red yeast rice with othersWhich supplements do you actually need?
Fénix Methode picks them from your blood results and schedules when to take what – no needless purchases.
From the same group
AlfalfaNo evidenceAndrographisWeak evidenceAroniaWeak evidenceBarley grassWeak evidenceBee pollenWeak evidenceBeef organs (desiccated)Weak evidence
Important notice
This information is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give medicine dosages. Supplements are no substitute for a varied diet; if pregnant, breastfeeding, ill or on medication, consult a doctor first.