Red Yeast Rice

What is it?

Red yeast rice powder is derived from rice fermented by the yeast Monascus purpereus WENT, an organism that grows on rice. Red Yeast Rice has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCG / TCM). In this process, important bioactive substances such as monacolin K, phytosterols, isoflavones and certain proteins are formed and the rice gets its deep red color.

Monacolin K

Red yeast rice (red yeast rice in English) is a staple of Asian cuisine. It has been consumed there for centuries. It is created by fermenting rice with the yeast Monascus purpureus, which gives the rice a dark red color. During the fermentation process, the characteristic constituents are created. The most important of these is monacolin K.

Red yeast rice is often incorrectly referred to as red rice yeast or red rice capsules.

Possible side effects of Red Yeast Rice

Synthetic and natural statins from Red Yeast Rice may have the side effect of decreasing the level of Ubiquinol (Q10) in the body.

Another side effect that may occur in a very small proportion of red yeast rice users is myalgia (muscle pain). Studies have shown that this side effect is more common in people who have low levels of Ubiquinol in the body. This is another reason why it is often recommended to take an Ubiquinol supplement when using red yeast rice.

People who buy Red Yeast Rice also view:

• Cholesterol
• Fish oil
• Vitamin K2
• Pantethine
• Vitamin D
• Pomegranate

Written by: Wouter Olthof
Reviewed by: Liesbeth Thoen

Updated:February 27, 2023