Red yeast rice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, due to its powerful health benefits. If you haven’t heard of red yeast rice yet, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into what it is, and why it’s becoming an essential ingredient for wellness routines.

What is red yeast rice?

Red yeast rice (also called Went Yeast) is rice that is fermented with a special type of yeast known as Monascus purpureus. The fermentation process gives the rice a unique red color, hence the name. 

The appeal of red yeast rice goes beyond its color. It’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, support blood circulation, and enhance digestion.*1 It’s also used in foods to enhance flavor and add color. Foods like fermented tofu, red rice vinegar often, and Japanese rice wine (sake) include red yeast rice. 

Red yeast rice is packed with naturally occurring compounds (monacolins), which studies suggest can help maintain total and LDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides, in the normal range.*2 Red yeast rice also contains the phytosterols beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, as well as isoflavones and trace minerals, all of which contribute to good cardiovascular health.* 

In what form is red yeast rice provided?

Red yeast rice supplements typically are provided in encapsulated powder. Thorne offers two options. Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 contains 600 mg of naturally occurring red yeast rice along with 15 mg of CoQ10 per capsule for added antioxidant support,* while Choleast-900 contains 900 mg of red yeast rice per capsule to provide an option requiring fewer capsules.

If you prefer more flexibility or face capsule fatigue, the powder in Thorne’s red yeast rice supplements can be taken out of the capsule and mixed into food or beverages like smoothies.

What is red yeast rice used for?

One of the most commonly known red yeast rice benefits is its ability to maintain cholesterol levels already in the normal range.* Some emerging research also suggests red yeast rice benefits include helping to support the body’s normal inflammatory response*3 and supporting individuals with metabolic syndrome.*4

Are there any red yeast rice side effects?

According to the Mayo Clinic,2 red yeast rice side effects are typically mild and can include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Heartburn
  • Gas
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Harmless reddening of the stool (no, it’s not blood)

Women who are trying to become pregnant, pregnant, or breastfeeding shouldn’t take red yeast rice. Those who have kidney or liver disease also shouldn’t take it. Additionally, it may interact with some medications, alcohol, and grapefruit.

How to take red yeast rice

Red yeast rice can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Whether this product is suitable for you and the amount to take is best discussed with your health-care professional.

References

  1. Zhu B, Qi F, Wu J, et al. Red yeast rice: A systematic review of the traditional uses, chemistry, pharmacology, and quality control of an important Chinese folk medicine. Front Pharmacol. 2019 Dec 2;10:1449. 
  2. Red yeast rice. (Aug. 10, 2023). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-red-yeast-rice/art-20363074 [Accessed February 7, 2025]
  3. Cicero AFG, Fogacci F, Banach M. Red yeast rice… . Methodist Debakey Cardiovas J 2019;15(3):192-199. 
  4. Yuan R, Yuan Y, Wang L, et al. Red yeast rice preparations… a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Feb 21;13:744928.