Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice is rice fermented with the mold Monascus purpureus. It contains monacolin K, a compound chemically identical to the drug lovastatin.
Also listed as RYR, Red Rice Yeast, Red Rice Yeast Powder, Red Rice Yeast Extract
The risks overlap with statins
Products with substantial monacolin K can cause muscle, liver and kidney damage and statin-type medicine interactions. Citrinin contamination poses an additional kidney risk. NCCIH does not recommend red yeast rice during pregnancy or breastfeeding. 1
Is a low dose necessarily safe?
EFSA reaffirmed that serious muscle and liver reactions had been reported at intakes as low as 3 mg daily. Its inability to establish safety below that amount means that a lower dose is not a demonstrated safe threshold. 2
Adverse findings
Ratings where the reported effect was unwanted. Each lists the studies behind it.
For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.