Red yeast rice has the active component monacolin K which is chemically identical to lovastatin, the first statin approved by the FDA. Lovastatin is still available but has been supplanted by atorvastatin and rosuvastatin.Would love opinions on red yeast rice here.
I’ve heard on a Justin Harris podcast that the active statin isnt allowed to be sold, yet people still get results on their bloodwork? Is COQ10 essential?
If this stuff is proven to work, curious to know why to opt for a medication over a more accessible alternative, assuming QC isnt a concern?
So yes, red yeast rice supplements can and do aid in lipid control, but the variance in monacolin K per 1,200 mg capsule (usually 2-10mg per capsule) means exact dosing is impossible. Moreover, monacolin K is much less potent than either atorvastatin or rosuvastatin, and it would probably take 40-80 mg of lovastatin to achieve the results of 5 mg rosuvastatin or 10 mg atorvastatin.
Why opt for a medication that is dosed with high precision over a more accessible product with less precise dosing? You do understand that red yeast rice comes with the same side effects that the statins come with, yes? The difference is that with pharmaceuticals you have much more accurate dosing which aids in achieving your goals while minimizing harm.

