Many of our patients do not want to take statin drugs, preferring to prevent, treat, and reverse heart disease naturally. And with that holistic approach in mind, they often ask if they should take red yeast rice. Red yeast rice is a non-statin option to lower lipids with the potential to reduce cardiac events. But is red yeast rice just a natural statin? And where should it fit into a holistic treatment regimen? Read on to learn our opinion at Natural Heart Doctor. 

Red yeast rice (RYR) is a traditional Chinese dietary supplement and culinary ingredient that has been used for centuries. It is made by fermenting rice with a specific type of yeast called Monascus purpureus. During the fermentation process, the rice turns a reddish or purplish color, which gives the product its name.

Red yeast rice contains a group of compounds known as monacolins, with the most well-known being monacolin K. Monacolin K is chemically identical to lovastatin, the first statin drug used to lower cholesterol levels with the idea of lowering heart attack and stroke risk.

Due to the presence of monacolin K, red yeast rice has been marketed as a natural alternative to statin medications for managing cholesterol levels. Some studies suggest that red yeast rice supplements may help lower LDL cholesterol levels in certain individuals. Lin and coworkers assessed the lipid-lowering effect and safety of M. purpureus in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 79 patients 23 to 65 years of age with hyperlipidemia. Subjects received M. purpureus 600 mg twice daily or placebo for eight weeks. The mean baseline LDL-C level was 203.9 mg/dL. At week eight, M. purpureus therapy significantly reduced concentrations of LDL-C by 27.7%, total cholesterol by 21.5%, triglycerides by 15.8%, and apolipoprotein B (apo-B) by 26%. High-density lipoprotein-C (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) levels were increased by 0.9% and 3.4%, respectively.

For an in depth review of other red yeast rice studies, click here. 

Studies on RYR do not show the same side effect profile as statin drug trials. This may be due to lower doses used. In my experience, RYR is a safer option compared to statin drugs. Nonetheless, muscular and hepatic inflammation are possible and thus should be monitored in those taking RYR. I do not recommend RYR be used in combination with statin drugs. 

It’s important to note that the effectiveness and safety of red yeast rice can vary from one product to another. The quality and purity of these supplements can vary widely, and some may contain inconsistent or unpredictable amounts of monacolins. At NHD, we do have an RYR product and many of our patients/clients have seen positive results. Our product contains organically grown RYR with other nutrients to support healthy lipid levels. 

So how do you know if RYR is right for you? To summarize, I do not use RYR as front line therapy. We address all health concerns with Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well. We offer the most advanced testing in the world. Then use evidence-based supplements as needed. The first supplement I would recommend for people with concerns about their lipid profile is our OptiLipid. This product is geared towards clearing old LDL particles from circulation, not limiting its hepatic production. 

I find that in most cases, adding RYR is not necessary for a holistic cardiovascular treatment plan. My best advice to you, grab a free 20 minute health coaching call or physician consultation to discuss options.