Red Yeast Rice

Is Red Yeast Rice Effective?

Red yeast rice seems to work for lowering cholesterol, as would be expected, because it contains lovastatin or other statin-like compounds. Red yeast rice that does not contain lovastatin probably doesn't work well for lowering cholesterol.
 
(Click Does Red Yeast Rice Work? for more information.)
 

Dosing Information

It is difficult to recommend a dose for red yeast rice, because different products contain different amounts of lovastatin.
 
(Click Red Yeast Rice Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice can cause several side effects, such as:
 
  • Abdominal discomfort (stomach discomfort)
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Gas
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle pain
  • Liver damage.
     
(Click Red Yeast Rice Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Red yeast rice can potentially interact with several medications (see Red Yeast Rice Drug Interactions).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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