Red yeast rice

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.

Red yeast rice uses

Several studies have shown good evidence that red yeast rice can significantly lower total and "bad" LDL cholesterol. . For instance, one 2009 randomised, controlled trial of 62 patients, who had discontinued using statins, concluded that, in those who took red yeast rice,  "LDL cholesterol decreased by 1.11 mmol/L (43 mg/dL) from baseline at week 12 and by 0.90 mmol/L (35 mg/dL) at week 24." However, the studies of red yeast rice have so far been fairly small and didn't last long enough to reveal the long-term effects.

While an ingredient in red yeast rice (monacolin K) is identical to the active ingredient of the cholesterol drug lovastatin, it still does not seem to be as effective as most conventional statin drugs. However, it’s possible 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 but unproven uses of red yeast rice: to reduce swelling and digestion problems, to treat cuts, wounds, and other conditions. These uses of red yeast rice, however, have not been tested scientifically.

Red yeast rice dose and instructions for use

Researchers haven't established a set dosage for red yeast rice. In some studies, the dose of red yeast rice was 1.2 gram 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.

Red yeast rice food sources

Red yeast rice does not occur naturally in other foods.

Red yeast rice supplement information

Powdered red yeast rice is often sold in capsules. Like any supplement, keep red yeast rice in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight. The amount of the active ingredients in red yeast rice supplements may vary a great deal from one brand to another.  Investigate the brand carefully. Researchers have found that some brands of red yeast rice contain high levels of the toxin citrinic acid.

Red yeast rice warnings

• 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.
• Interactions. Do not take red yeast rice if you are using statins, drugs that suppress the immune system, anti-fungal 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 units of alcohol a day if you take red yeast rice.
• 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.