Is it ok to take red yeast rice and vitamins together?
On One Hand: Safe for ManyMany vitamins may safely be taken in conjunction with red yeast rice, the fermented rice yeast supplement commonly used to lower blood cholesterol. Vitamins C, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, B12, D, E, H and K, for instance, do not react adversely with red yeast rice supplements.On the Other: Known InteractionsVitamin A and niacin (vitamin B3), however, may interact with red yeast rice, says the National Institutes of Health. Niacin and red yeast rice can separately cause muscle weakness, tenderness or pain; combining the supplements increases the risk of potential side effects, says WebMD. While taking red yeast rice, avoid taking vitamin A and niacin and only take multivitamins that contain neither.Bottom LineExercise caution when using red yeast rice and consult your doctor before including it in your vitamin regimen.
