Best Red Yeast Rice Supplements (2026)

Red yeast rice has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to support heart health and manage cholesterol levels. It naturally contains monacolin K, a compound structurally identical to the active ingredient in prescription statin drugs, making it one of the most evidence-backed natural cholesterol supplements available. Choosing a high-quality product that is citrinin-free and properly dosed is essential for both safety and effectiveness.

Quick Comparison

Product	Red Yeast Rice Dose	Form	Best For	Rating
Natures Craft Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10	1200mg + CoQ10	Capsules	Best Overall	9.3/10
Thorne Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10	900mg + CoQ10	Capsules	Best Premium	9.2/10
Cholesterol Support with Red Yeast Rice	Multi-ingredient	Capsules	Best Comprehensive Formula	9.0/10
ForestLeaf Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10	1215mg + CoQ10	Capsules	Best Multi-Ingredient	8.9/10
Liberty Heart Red Yeast Rice	RYR + Bergamot	Capsules	Best with Bergamot	8.8/10
Nutricost Red Yeast Rice	1200mg	Capsules	Best Value	8.7/10
Purely Holistic Red Yeast Rice	1200mg + CoQ10 + Niacin	Capsules	Best Budget Pick	8.6/10

1. Natures Craft Red Yeast Rice with CoQ10 — Best Overall

Natures Craft combines 1200mg of red yeast rice with CoQ10 in an advanced formula designed to support healthy cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular wellness.

This extra-strength formula pairs red yeast rice with CoQ10, an important addition since monacolin K (like prescription statins) can deplete the body’s natural CoQ10 levels. Each bottle contains 120 capsules for a full two-month supply. The supplement is manufactured in the USA and tested for quality and purity. The vegetarian capsules are easy to swallow and free from major allergens.

• Pros:
• Includes CoQ10 to offset potential CoQ10 depletion from monacolin K
• Extra-strength 1200mg red yeast rice dose per serving
• 120 capsules provides excellent supply duration

• Cons:
• Capsules are on the larger side
• Does not list specific monacolin K content on label

Best for: Anyone looking for a well-rounded red yeast rice and CoQ10 combination at a competitive price

2. Thorne Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 — Best Premium

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Thorne brings pharmaceutical-grade quality to red yeast rice supplementation, combining their extract with CoQ10 for comprehensive cardiovascular support trusted by healthcare professionals.

Thorne’s formula (formerly Choleast-900) provides 900mg of red yeast rice per capsule alongside CoQ10 for antioxidant support. The product is manufactured under strict NSF-certified GMP conditions and is free from gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial additives. Thorne is one of the most trusted names in professional-grade supplements and is widely recommended by integrative physicians and cardiologists.

• Pros:
• Pharmaceutical-grade quality with NSF-certified manufacturing
• Trusted by healthcare practitioners and widely used in clinical settings
• Clean formula free from common allergens and artificial ingredients

• Cons:
• Premium pricing compared to store brands
• 900mg dose may require additional capsules for those needing 1200mg+

Best for: Health-conscious consumers who want a practitioner-recommended, pharmaceutical-grade red yeast rice supplement

3. Cholesterol Supplements with Plant Sterols and Red Yeast Rice — Best Comprehensive Formula

This advanced multi-ingredient formula combines red yeast rice with plant sterols, niacin, bergamot, omega-3, and garlic for a comprehensive approach to cholesterol management.

Rather than relying solely on red yeast rice, this supplement takes a multi-pathway approach to heart health. Plant sterols are clinically shown to block cholesterol absorption in the gut, while niacin supports healthy lipid profiles and citrus bergamot provides additional cardiovascular benefits. The combination of multiple evidence-backed ingredients makes this a compelling option for those who want broader cholesterol support beyond monacolin K alone.

• Pros:
• Multi-ingredient approach targets cholesterol through several mechanisms
• Includes plant sterols, bergamot, and omega-3 for comprehensive support
• Good option for those who want more than just red yeast rice

• Cons:
• Complex formula means lower individual ingredient doses
• More capsules per serving than single-ingredient options

Best for: Those seeking a comprehensive, multi-ingredient approach to cholesterol and heart health management

4. ForestLeaf Red Yeast Rice Care with CoQ10 — Best Multi-Ingredient

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ForestLeaf packs an impressive 1215mg of red yeast rice alongside CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, and organic flaxseed in a daily formula designed for holistic cardiovascular support.

Each serving provides 1215mg red yeast rice, 60mg CoQ10, 300mg organic flaxseed oil powder, and 225mg alpha lipoic acid. The ALA adds powerful antioxidant protection while the flaxseed contributes plant-based omega-3 fatty acids for additional heart health benefits. The product is citrinin-free, third-party tested, and free from gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts. Each bottle contains 90 capsules for a 30-day supply.

• Pros:
• Excellent combination of red yeast rice, CoQ10, ALA, and flaxseed
• Citrinin-free tested for safety
• Third-party tested and free from major allergens

• Cons:
• Requires 3 capsules per serving
• 90-count bottle only lasts one month

Best for: Users who want a synergistic blend of heart-health ingredients alongside their red yeast rice

5. Liberty Heart — Red Yeast Rice with Berberine and Bergamot — Best with Bergamot

Liberty Heart combines red yeast rice with berberine and citrus bergamot in a heart wellness formula that targets multiple pathways for cardiovascular support.

This triple-action formula brings together three of the most researched natural ingredients for heart health. Red yeast rice provides monacolin K for cholesterol management, berberine supports healthy blood sugar and lipid metabolism, and citrus bergamot offers polyphenol antioxidants shown to support healthy cholesterol ratios. The synergistic combination addresses cardiovascular wellness from multiple angles.

• Pros:
• Unique triple combination of red yeast rice, berberine, and bergamot
• Targets both cholesterol and blood sugar pathways
• Comprehensive cardiovascular support in a single supplement

• Cons:
• Complex formula may not be suitable for those on multiple medications
• Newer product with fewer long-term reviews

Best for: Those who want to address cholesterol, blood sugar, and overall heart health in one supplement

6. Nutricost Red Yeast Rice — Best Value

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Nutricost delivers a straightforward 1200mg red yeast rice formula at an exceptional price point, making it ideal for those who want pure red yeast rice without added ingredients.

Each capsule provides 600mg of red yeast rice, with the standard serving of two capsules delivering the clinically studied 1200mg dose. Nutricost is known for transparent labeling, third-party testing, and GMP-compliant manufacturing. The formula is non-GMO, gluten-free, and contains no unnecessary fillers. With 120 capsules per bottle, this offers a full 60-day supply at one of the lowest costs per serving in the category.

• Pros:
• Outstanding value with a 60-day supply per bottle
• Clean, simple formula with just red yeast rice
• Third-party tested and GMP manufactured

• Cons:
• Does not include CoQ10 — may want to supplement separately
• No citrinin testing information provided on label

Best for: Budget-conscious users who want pure red yeast rice and prefer to add CoQ10 separately

7. Purely Holistic Red Yeast Rice with CoQ10 and Niacin — Best Budget Pick

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Purely Holistic combines 1200mg red yeast rice with CoQ10 and flush-free niacin in a value-packed formula that delivers 120 vegetarian capsules per bottle.

This triple-ingredient formula offers a potent cardiovascular stack at a budget-friendly price. The 1200mg red yeast rice dose hits the clinically studied range, while CoQ10 replenishes what monacolin K may deplete and niacin provides additional lipid-modifying benefits. The product is non-irradiated, citrinin-free, and lab-verified for potency and purity. At 120 capsules with 30% more per bottle than many competitors, the value proposition is strong.

• Pros:
• Excellent value with 120 capsules per bottle
• Citrinin-free and lab-verified for potency
• Includes both CoQ10 and niacin for comprehensive support

• Cons:
• Capsules are slightly large
• Some users report mild digestive discomfort initially

Best for: Value-seekers who want a complete red yeast rice formula with CoQ10 and niacin at the lowest cost

8. Jarrow Formulas Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 — Best Established Brand

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Jarrow Formulas is a legacy supplement brand with decades of experience, offering a well-formulated red yeast rice and CoQ10 combination that has stood the test of time.

Each two-capsule serving provides 1200mg of red yeast rice and 100mg of CoQ10. Jarrow Formulas has been in the supplement industry for over 40 years and is known for science-based formulations and rigorous quality testing. The veggie capsules are non-GMO and gluten-free, and each 120-count bottle provides a 60-day supply. The company maintains strong relationships with raw material suppliers and conducts extensive quality control.

• Pros:
• Established brand with 40+ years in the supplement industry
• Generous 100mg CoQ10 dose alongside 1200mg red yeast rice
• 120 veggie capsules for a two-month supply

• Cons:
• Slightly higher price than newer brands
• Some users prefer a single-capsule serving over two per day

Best for: Those who prioritize brand reputation, legacy formulation, and a proven track record in heart health supplements

How to Choose the Best Red Yeast Rice Supplement

The most critical factor when selecting a red yeast rice supplement is citrinin testing. Citrinin is a toxic byproduct that can form during the fermentation process, and independent testing has found it present in a significant percentage of red yeast rice products. Always choose a supplement that explicitly states it is citrinin-free or citrinin-tested. Products from established brands with third-party testing provide the greatest safety assurance.

Dosage is another key consideration. Clinical studies showing cholesterol-lowering benefits typically use 1200–2400mg of red yeast rice daily, taken in divided doses. Many products provide 600mg per capsule with a recommended two-capsule serving to reach the standard 1200mg dose. The active compound, monacolin K, is rarely listed on labels due to regulatory considerations, but quality products from reputable manufacturers are more likely to contain clinically relevant amounts.

CoQ10 inclusion is highly recommended. Since monacolin K works similarly to prescription statins, it can reduce the body’s natural CoQ10 production. Many top red yeast rice supplements now include CoQ10 to counteract this potential depletion. If your chosen supplement does not include CoQ10, consider adding a separate CoQ10 supplement to your regimen.

Look for products manufactured in GMP-certified facilities with third-party testing for purity and potency. Red yeast rice is best taken in divided doses (morning and evening) with one dose before bedtime, as cholesterol synthesis increases overnight. Products should be free from unnecessary fillers, artificial additives, and common allergens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is red yeast rice and how does it lower cholesterol?

Red yeast rice is produced by fermenting white rice with a specific strain of yeast called Monascus purpureus, which gives it its characteristic red color. During fermentation, the yeast produces compounds called monacolins, the most important being monacolin K. This compound is chemically identical to lovastatin, the active ingredient in prescription statin medications, and works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase — the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production in the liver.

How much red yeast rice should I take daily?

Most clinical studies use 1200–2400mg of red yeast rice daily, typically split into two doses. A common regimen is 600mg twice daily or 1200mg once daily. For best results, take one dose with dinner or before bedtime, since the body produces most of its cholesterol overnight. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing allows you to monitor for any side effects.

When is the best time to take red yeast rice?

Red yeast rice is most effective when taken in the evening or before bed, as cholesterol synthesis in the liver peaks during nighttime hours. If taking a divided dose, take one serving with dinner and one in the morning. Taking it with food can help reduce the chance of digestive discomfort and may improve absorption of the active compounds.

Are there any side effects of red yeast rice?

Side effects are generally similar to those of low-dose statin medications and can include digestive upset, headache, and in rare cases, muscle pain or weakness (myopathy). Because monacolin K functions like lovastatin, it carries similar cautions — including potential effects on liver enzymes and a small risk of rhabdomyolysis (rapid muscle breakdown) in rare cases. Regular monitoring of liver function and muscle symptoms is recommended, especially during the first few months.

Can I take red yeast rice with other supplements or medications?

Red yeast rice should not be combined with prescription statin drugs, as this could increase the risk of side effects. It’s also important to avoid grapefruit juice and St. John’s wort while taking red yeast rice, as these can interfere with monacolin K metabolism. CoQ10 is a beneficial companion supplement. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining red yeast rice with blood thinners, antifungals, or immunosuppressants.

How long does it take for red yeast rice to lower cholesterol?

Most people begin to see measurable changes in cholesterol levels within 6–12 weeks of consistent daily use. Some individuals notice improvements as early as 4 weeks, while others may require up to 16 weeks for full effect. Regular blood lipid panel testing is the best way to track progress and adjust dosing as needed.