How much Red Yeast Rice should I take daily?
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Recommended Daily Dosage of Red Yeast Rice
Introduction to Red Yeast Rice and Monacolin K
Red yeast rice (RYR) is a popular dietary supplement used to manage cholesterol levels. It contains monacolin K, a compound chemically identical to the prescription drug lovastatin, which inhibits cholesterol synthesis2 8. The effectiveness of RYR in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol has been well-documented4 5 9.
Variability in Supplement Strength
One of the challenges in determining the appropriate daily dosage of RYR is the variability in the strength of supplements available on the market. A study analyzing 28 brands of RYR supplements found that the monacolin K content ranged from 0.09 to 5.48 mg per 1200 mg of RYR, leading to a daily intake range of 0.09 to 10.94 mg based on manufacturers' recommendations2. This significant variability underscores the importance of choosing a reputable brand to ensure consistent dosing.
Effective Dosages in Clinical Trials
Low-Dose Efficacy
Clinical trials have shown that even low doses of RYR can be effective. For instance, a study involving Japanese patients with mild dyslipidemia demonstrated that a daily dose of 200 mg of RYR containing 2 mg of monacolin K significantly reduced LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and blood pressure without severe adverse effects4.
Higher Dosages
Higher dosages have also been studied extensively. A trial comparing RYR (2,400 mg twice daily) to pravastatin (20 mg twice daily) in statin-intolerant patients found that RYR was well-tolerated and achieved comparable reductions in LDL cholesterol3. Another study involving hypercholesterolemic patients used a dosage of 1,800 mg of RYR twice daily, showing significant improvements in LDL and total cholesterol levels over 24 weeks7.
Safety and Tolerability
A comprehensive meta-analysis of 53 randomized controlled trials involving 8,535 subjects found that RYR supplementation, even at higher doses, was generally safe and well-tolerated. The analysis showed no increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders and a reduced risk of non-musculoskeletal adverse events and serious adverse events compared to control groups1 6.
Conclusion
Based on the available research, the recommended daily dosage of RYR can vary significantly depending on the product's monacolin K content. Effective dosages in clinical trials have ranged from as low as 200 mg per day to as high as 4,800 mg per day, with monacolin K content ranging from 2 mg to 10 mg daily. It is crucial to select a reputable brand to ensure consistent dosing and consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for individual needs.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Safety of red yeast rice supplementation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Red yeast rice supplementation is a tolerable and safe lipid-lowering dietary supplement for a large group of moderately hypercholesterolaemic subjects.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedVariability in strength of red yeast rice supplements purchased from mainstream retailers
Despite FDA manufacturing standards, strength and composition of red yeast rice supplements sold at mainstream retailers in the United States remain unpredictable.
Tolerability of red yeast rice (2,400 mg twice daily) versus pravastatin (20 mg twice daily) in patients with previous statin intolerance.
Red yeast rice is as well-tolerated as pravastatin and achieves comparable reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with previous statin intolerance.
RCTHighly CitedLow dose red yeast rice with monacolin K lowers LDL cholesterol and blood pressure in Japanese with mild dyslipidemia: A multicenter, randomized trial.
Low daily dose red yeast rice with monacolin K significantly reduces LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and blood pressure in patients with mild dyslipidemia without causing severe adverse effects.
RCTCholesterol-lowering effects of a proprietary Chinese red-yeast-rice dietary supplement.
Red yeast rice significantly reduces total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total triacylglycerol concentrations compared to placebo, offering a novel food-based approach to lowering cholesterol in the general population.
RCTHighly Cited1443Safety of red yeast rice supplementation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Red yeast rice supplementation is a safe and tolerable lipid-lowering dietary supplement for moderately hypercholesterolaemic individuals without increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalRed Yeast Rice for Dyslipidemia in Statin-Intolerant Patients
Red yeast rice may be an effective and tolerable treatment option for dyslipidemia in patients with statin-associated myopathy, reducing LDL and total cholesterol levels without causing pain or liver enzyme levels.
RCTHighly CitedRed Yeast Rice for Hypercholesterolemia.
Red yeast rice extract effectively lowers cholesterol levels and improves heart health, making it a safe and effective supplement for managing mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia in people without additional cardiovascular risk factors.
Efficacy of Monascus purpureus Went rice on lowering lipid ratios in hypercholesterolemic patients
Red yeast rice effectively reduces lipid ratios in hypercholesterolemic patients, potentially reducing coronary artery disease risk.
RCT