Does Red Yeast Rice interact with CoQ10?

Written to our editorial standards · reviewed against published research· Updated 2 Jun 2026
Take together· moderate evidence

Red yeast rice can lower CoQ10.

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, chemically the same as the statin lovastatin, and like statins it can deplete the body's CoQ10, the compound muscles use for energy, which is one proposed contributor to statin-type muscle aches.

What to do

Pairing CoQ10 (often as the better-absorbed ubiquinol) with red yeast rice is commonly recommended to offset that drop. More importantly, treat red yeast rice as a real statin: do not combine it with a prescription statin, and use it only with medical oversight and liver monitoring.

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Red Yeast Rice
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CoQ10
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Common questions

Can I take Red Yeast Rice and CoQ10 together?
Take together. Pairing CoQ10 (often as the better-absorbed ubiquinol) with red yeast rice is commonly recommended to offset that drop. More importantly, treat red yeast rice as a real statin: do not combine it with a prescription statin, and use it only with medical oversight and liver monitoring.
Why do Red Yeast Rice and CoQ10 interact?
Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, chemically the same as the statin lovastatin, and like statins it can deplete the body's CoQ10, the compound muscles use for energy, which is one proposed contributor to statin-type muscle aches.

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Educational use only, not medical advice. Interaction risk depends on dose, your health, and any medications. Always consult a qualified clinician, especially if you take prescription drugs or are pregnant or nursing.