Red yeast rice has been used as a food additive and medicine in parts of Asia for centuries. It's a substance extracted from rice that has been fermented with special yeast.
Why Do People Take Red Yeast Rice?
Several studies have shown good evidence that red yeast rice can significantly lower total and "bad" LDL cholesterol. One component of red yeast rice, monacolin K, is identical to the active ingredient of the cholesterol drug Mevacor (lovastatin). Red yeast rice does not seem to be as effective as most conventional statin drugs, however. But these supplements may be a good choice for people who cannot tolerate statins or who could benefit from a slight lowering of cholesterol.
There are other traditional uses of red yeast rice: to reduce swelling and digestion problems, and to treat cuts and wounds, cancer, and other conditions. These uses of red yeast rice, however, have not been tested scientifically.
How Much Red Yeast Rich Should I Take?
Doctors haven't established a set dosage for red yeast rice. In some studies, the dose of red yeast rice was 1,200-milligram capsules taken twice a day with food. In some Asian countries, where red yeast rice is a common food additive, a person's normal daily intake might go as high as 55 grams.
Can I Get Red Yeast Rice From my Diet?
Red yeast rice does not occur naturally in other foods.
What Are the Risks of Taking Red Yeast Rice?
- Side effects. Red yeast rice side effects are usually mild. It might cause headaches and upset stomach. Not much is known about the long-term safety of red yeast rice. Since red yeast rice contains naturally occurring components which are very similar to statin medications, the same side effects may occur, including but not limited to muscle pain and liver injury.
- Interactions. Do not take red yeast rice if you are using statins, drugs that suppress the immune system, antifungal drugs, certain antibiotics, or protease inhibitors (for HIV). People taking red yeast rice should avoid grapefruits and related products. Also, don't have more than two alcohol-containing drinks a day if you take red yeast rice since it could damage your liver.
- Risks. People with liver disease, kidney disease, and allergies to fungus or yeast should not use red yeast rice. People with very high cholesterol, diabetes, or a high risk of heart attack or stroke may also need a more powerful prescription drug like a statin instead of red yeast rice.
Given the lack of evidence about its safety, red yeast rice is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Since over-the-counter (OTC) red yeast rice products provide widely varying amounts of the monacolin constituents, consumers need to exercise caution in choosing a product. Studies looking at several products have found that OTC preparations contain anywhere from 0% to1.9% monacolins. So based on how much you are taking (doses are typically 1,000 - 4,800 milligrams a day), your actual daily doses of monacolins could range from 0 milligrams to over 90 milligrams daily. Choose products that are standardized and guarantee certain levels of the active ingredients.
