Red Yeast Rice Problems
As interest in natural solutions to modern health concerns grew, scientists and consumers began revisiting traditional remedies. Among the rediscovered ingredients, red yeast rice (RYR) quickly stood out for its potential impact on heart health. Produced by fermenting rice with Monascus purpureus, it drew scientific attention as early studies and later clinical trials suggested it could help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Participants often saw improvements in LDL and triglyceride levels comparable to conventional treatments - but achieved through a natural source. (2)
The key compound in RYR, monacolin K, is chemically identical to lovastatin, a prescription statin used to manage high cholesterol. (3) Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver responsible for producing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as "bad" cholesterol. By reducing the activity of this enzyme, statins lower overall cholesterol levels and limit the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
Concerns grew further when a 2011 NCCIH analysis revealed wide variation in monacolin K levels across commercial RYR products. Some contained very little, while others had unexpectedly high amounts, making their effects unpredictable. Monacolin K targets the same enzyme in the liver as statins; RYR works through the same biological pathway to lower LDL cholesterol. (5) As a result, it can also trigger similar physiological effects, including depletion of CoQ10, a nutrient essential for cellular energy and heart function, potentially leading to muscle aches, fatigue, and other statin-like side effects. (6)
In the U.S., the FDA considers products containing monacolin K essentially equivalent to prescription statins, and therefore subject to drug regulations. In 1998, the FDA attempted to ban Cholestin, a red yeast rice extract. Later, in 2007, warning letters led to the withdrawal of two red yeast rice supplements. (7) The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reiterated safety concerns over monacolins from red yeast rice (RYR) in its final opinion, emphasizing that even low intake levels could pose significant health risks. Safety concerns were raised in relation to the consumption of monacolins from RYR in food supplements at doses of 10 mg/day, and individual cases of severe adverse reactions had been reported at doses as low as 3 mg/day. Regulation was amended to specify that the individual portion of the product intended for daily consumption shall provide less than 3 mg of monacolins from RYR. (8)
Citrinin Contamination Alert
If the process of culturing red yeast rice is not carefully controlled, a substance called citrinin can form. Citrinin has been shown to cause kidney failure in experimental animals and genetic damage in human cells. In a 2011 analysis of red yeast rice products sold as dietary supplements, 4 out of 11 products were found to contain this contaminant. (9)
Tri-Low: The Clean Alternative
Tri-Low emerged from this very need – a scientifically validated, thoughtfully crafted natural solution designed to provide consistent cardiovascular support with a cleaner, gentler profile. Tri-Low is an extract of fresh, ripe, wild-harvested Amla, the wonder fruit for health. Standardized with: Polyphenols 35%, Omega-3 fatty acids Total α Linolenic acid (ALA) 5%, Diacyl glycerol bound ALA 4%, Triterpenoids 7%.
Unlike statins, which fully inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and may reduce CoQ10 levels, Tri-Low works by gently modulating this enzyme. This targeted approach helps support healthy cholesterol metabolism without compromising CoQ10, a vital antioxidant for heart and muscle energy.
Supports healthy level of ApoB/ApoA1 ratio, supports a healthy level of triglyceride (TG), Supports healthy level of total cholesterol (TC) in the body, Supports a healthy level of atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Supports a healthy level of LDL- Cholesterol (LDL-C). Tri-Low supports reducing the BMI, body weight, and lipid profile. Tri-Low supports the reduction of visceral and subcutaneous fat across the body. Tri-Low supports decreasing body age and anthropometric parameters. (10)
Clinical Proof
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study involving 98 participants, Tri-Low 500 mg twice daily for 12 weeks demonstrated compelling improvements in key cardiovascular risk markers: Total Cholesterol (TC) reduced significantly by 24%, LDL-C levels decreased by 20%, Triglycerides (TG) dropped by 34%. Improvements were also observed in the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) and ApoB/A1 ratio. Notably, Tri-Low achieved these results without affecting serum CoQ10 levels.
Unmatched Safety
The safety of Tri-Low is rigorously validated through a rigorous toxicology program: Acute Toxicity (OECD 423), Sub-Chronic Toxicity (OECD 408). No visible adverse effects were observed at any tested dose. (11) Tri-Low is confirmed to be safe even when extrapolated to a high human-equivalent dose of – a dose significantly exceeding typical therapeutic recommendations. Tri-Low is safe at even 11.2 g/day extrapolated human dose. DOSAGE 500-1000mg per day after food.
Why Choose TRI-LOW?
- Helps reduce cardiovascular risk factors, ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and AIP.
- First ever Amla Extract standardized for omega-3 fatty acids standardized with DAG-ALA.
- Supports in reducing body weight, body age, visceral fat, cholesterol.
- 21 Patents.
- Proven Safety.
- 23% reduction in TC levels.
- 34% reduction in TG levels.
- Clinically validated with 3 Human studies.
Tri-Low brings together the best of both worlds, the wisdom of nature and the assurance of science - redefining how heart health can be nurtured, naturally.
1. World Health Organization. (2025, July 31). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-shee ts/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
2. Banach, M., Catapano, A. L., Cicero, A. F., Escobar, C., Foger, B., Katsiki, N., ... & Penson, P. E. (2022). Red yeast rice for dyslipidaemias and cardiovascular risk reduction: A position paper of the International Lipid Expert Panel. Pharmacological Research, 183, 106370
3. White, E. (2025, July 24). Red yeast rice vs. statins for high cholesterol: How do they compare? GoodRx. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/high-choles terol/red-yeast-rice-vs-statins?rsdlid=AfnBOo ocnotZoP2n_12P-kk336-Fcney-wZHHHGVGTI9 i4VfN3x3ZjPs_O
4. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Red Yeast Rice: What You Need To Know. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved November 7, 2025, from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/red-yeast-rice
5. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2015). Red yeast rice. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://files.nccih.nih.gov/s3fs-public/Red_Yeast_Rice_11-30-2015.pdf
6. Guest Author. (2025, July 21). Should you take red yeast rice with CoQ10? Here’s what the research says. Napiers. Retrieved from https://napiers.net/blogs/news/should-you-take-red-yeast-rice-with-coq10-here-s-what-the-rese arch-says
7. Red yeast rice. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved November 7, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_yeast_rice
8. EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA). (2025). Scientific Opinion on additional scientific data related to the safety of monacolins from red yeast rice submitted pursuant to Article 8(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006. EFSA Journal, 23(2), Article 9276. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9276
9. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2015). Red yeast rice. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://files.nccih.nih.gov/s3fs-public/Red_Yeast_Rice_11-30-2015.pdf
10. Rathore R, Yadav A, Khatkar A, Suhag D, Vrushabaiah GK, Govindaraj S. Effect of Amla Extract on Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Total Body Fat, Visceral Fat, Skeletal Muscle Mass, Body Age, and Related Parameters: A Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Study in Obese Participants. Complementary Medicine Research. 2025 Aug 20;32(4):326-40.
11.Benny, M., Antony, B., Kuruvilla, B. T., & Gupta, N. K. (2024). Safety Evaluation of Amla extract by Acute and Sub-chronic exposure in rats. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 17(11), 4887-4894.
