What is red yeast rice extract good for?
Cholesterol levels
Red yeast rice actually contains chemicals that are similar to, and sometimes identical to, certain prescription medications known as statins, which are often prescribed by doctors to lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels.In fact, red yeast rice is often taken by people looking for a non-prescription route to cholesterol support, as it seems to have fewer unwanted side effects, although some treatments combine red yeast rice and statins together.
Other cardiovascular research
In addition to its effects on cholesterol, red yeast rice has been studied for blood pressure, blood sugar and triglyceride levels, and for endothelial function, which means the healthy function of the inner lining of your blood vessels, something that is vital for optimal cardiovascular health. Intake of red yeast rice has also been associated with lower body fat.Role in inflammation
Red yeast rice has also demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory properties. For example, one study that involved 50 people suffering from metabolic syndrome found that red yeast rice supplementation reduced levels of oxidative stress, a key driver of inflammation, by up to 20%.Another study involving rats suffering from kidney damage found that red yeast rice extract supplementation reduced overall amounts of specific proteins that are involved in inflammation throughout the body.
Role in cancer prevention
Red yeast rice is also being researched for its cancer research potential. Limited in vitro and animal studies so far have looked at red yeast rice and cancer cell growth, as well as tumor volume.When should I take red yeast rice extract?
There does not seem to be a time of day that is best suited for taking red yeast rice extract, however it is best absorbed when taken with a meal.
What else pairs well with red yeast rice extract?
Also taken with nattokinase, for blood sugar levels
In one animal study, a combination of red yeast rice extract and nattokinase was reported to have an effect on blood sugar levels when compared to taking the supplements individually.That said, red yeast rice extract is generally best taken with a meal, while nattokinase is best taken between meals, so you would need to deviate from this if you wanted to replicate the study exactly, which involved a combined supplementation of both as part of the same routine.
Also taken with ubiquinol, berberine, folic acid and astaxanthin
Interestingly, further beneficial effects on blood sugar levels were reported when red yeast rice was combined with other supplements, including ubiquinol, berberine, policosanols, vitamin B9 (folic acid) and astaxanthin.What should I avoid taking red yeast rice extract with?
Avoid taking red yeast rice extract at the same time as niacin (vitamin B3)
Taking red yeast rice supplements together with niacin (vitamin B3) supplements might increase the risk of developing muscle conditions, including myopathy, as both supplements are known to have effects on the muscles. This includes B-complex supplements.Avoid taking red yeast rice extract at the same time as citrus bergamot or policosanol
Citrus bergamot and policosanol are often taken for regulating cholesterol levels, and work on the same pathway that red yeast rice extract uses through monacolin K, a statin-like compound. This means they can interfere with eachother with unexpected results, so you are advised to not take these combinations.Avoid taking red yeast rice extract at the same time as grapefruit juice or alcohol
Grapefruit juice slows the liver enzyme that clears monacolin K, the statin-like compound in red yeast rice, so a glass of this juice with the capsule may inadvertently raise the effective dose being taken. Alcohol also adds extra workload to the same liver and can result in a similar unintended elevation of the dose.What are natural sources of red yeast rice extract?
Red yeast rice is not a plant, but rather white rice that has been intentionally transformed by exposure to a specific species of mold. Steaming the grains and fermenting them with Monascus purpureus turns them deep red and builds the monacolin compounds.
Chinese kitchens have used it for centuries as a coloring and flavoring, stirred into braised pork and rice wine. What that spoonful carries depends on how the fermentation went, because the mold strain, the rice and the batch warmth all shift the yield.
Who should avoid taking red yeast rice extract?
Before taking red yeast rice extract supplements, check with your trusted healthcare professional if any of the following apply to you:
- Liver problems
- Muscle pain history
Liver problems and muscle pain
Red yeast rice carries monacolin K, the same compound as a prescription statin, so a history of muscle pain on a statin or a diagnosis of liver disease is the pair of situations where the capsule could accentuate an existing problem rather than offering an alternative.The dose of monacolin K varies between products and is often not stated, which is why the same brand can behave differently from one batch to the next.
Remember to always discuss any vitamins or supplements with your trusted healthcare professional if you are suffering from any health conditions.
Possible side effects of red yeast rice extract
Possible side effects from taking red yeast rice extract supplements may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Muscle pain
- Raised liver enzymes (statin-like)
If you are experiencing negative side effects from taking red yeast rice extract supplements, stop taking them immediately and reach out to your trusted healthcare professional.
Drug interactions with red yeast rice extract
The medicines listed below are the ones most often named in interaction reports for red yeast rice extract, but it is by no means a comprehensive list:
- Blood thinners
- Statins
Blood-thinning medications
It is advised to avoid taking red yeast rice extract together with blood thinning medication, as it can also exacerbate the effects.If you are taking any prescription drugs or medication, check with your trusted healthcare professional before taking red yeast rice extract supplements.
Can I take red yeast rice extract while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Red yeast rice carries monacolin K, the same compound as a statin, and cholesterol-lowering medicines aren't used during pregnancy. The supplement has no pregnancy trials, and the dose of monacolin K varies between products and is often not stated. It isn't a pregnancy supplement.
Remember to always discuss any vitamins or supplements with your trusted healthcare professional while pregnant or breastfeeding, or while attempting to conceive.
Where should I store red yeast rice extract?
For optimal shelf life, it is recommended to keep red yeast rice extract supplements stored in the cupboard. Always make sure the bottle or container is tightly closed, and kept away from sources of light, heat and humidity.
Red yeast rice extract data sources & further reading
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