Red Yeast Rice

Thorne Red Yeast Rice (Choleast-900) is a concentrated cardiovascular support supplement featuring Monascus purpureus grown on rice, naturally occurring monacolins, and phytosterols—including beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol—formulated to support cholesterol levels already within a healthy range as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Maintaining an optimal LDL cholesterol level is an important component of maintaining good cardiovascular health.* Numerous studies in China and the United States have concluded that preparations of red yeast rice help to maintain blood cholesterol levels already in the normal range.* Choleast-900 contains Monascus purpureus, a red-pigmented yeast grown on rice. It also contains consistent amounts of the naturally-occurring monacolins found in red yeast rice– without standardization or fortification – along with the phytosterols beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, as well as isoflavones and trace minerals, all of which can contribute to good cardiovascular health.* With 50-percent more red yeast rice than our Choleast product, Choleast-900 requires fewer capsules for easier supplementation.

Natural management of healthy cholesterol levels should involve dietary and lifestyle modifications, including a healthy, whole foods diet (one size does not fit all) and aerobic exercise. The same enzymes involved in the synthesis of cholesterol are also involved in the synthesis of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Thus, to help maintain normal levels of CoQ10, we recommend also supplementing daily with Q-Best 100.*

Red yeast rice is obtained by a well-known process that ferments rice. One of the natural by-products of the rice fermentation process is citrinin, which is a mycotoxin. Although the sophisticated fermentation process used by our supplier results in a very low amount of citrinin being produced as a by-product, because mycotoxins can cause inflammation and other adverse effects in the body, we provide our practitioner-customers and their patients with the assurance that Thorne's two red yeast rice products contain only a minimal, yet acceptable amount of citrinin.

Suggested Use:

Take as recommended by your health-care practitioner.

Warnings:

ALLERGY WARNING

This product is contraindicated in an individual with a history of hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients.

Choleast-900 contains an ingredient derived from soy.

PREGNANCY WARNING

If pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive, do not use this product.

INTERACTIONS

There are no known adverse interactions or contraindications at publication date.

ADDITIONAL WARNINGS

Adverse events of gastritis, abdominal discomfort, elevated liver enzymes, and muscle pain have been reported following the use of red yeast rice-containing products.

This product may cause a temporary and harmless red coloring of the stool.

How Thorne Choleast-900 Fits a Cardiovascular Wellness Routine

• Concentrated daily support: Contains 50% more red yeast rice per serving than Thorne's standard Choleast formula, making consistent supplementation more convenient with fewer capsules.
• Broad-spectrum phytonutrient profile: Delivers naturally occurring monacolins alongside phytosterols, isoflavones, and trace minerals without standardization or synthetic fortification.
• Lifestyle-integrated approach: Designed to complement a whole-foods diet and regular aerobic exercise as part of a natural strategy for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels already in the normal range.
• CoQ10 consideration: Because the same enzymatic pathways support both cholesterol and CoQ10 synthesis, Thorne recommends pairing Choleast-900 with a CoQ10 supplement to help maintain normal CoQ10 levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Thorne Choleast-900 different from standard red yeast rice supplements?

Choleast-900 contains 50% more red yeast rice per serving than Thorne's original Choleast, reducing the number of capsules needed daily. It provides naturally occurring monacolins and phytosterols without synthetic standardization or fortification.

Does Thorne Red Yeast Rice contain any added ingredients beyond red yeast rice?

Yes—in addition to Monascus purpureus yeast grown on rice, Choleast-900 includes the phytosterols beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, as well as isoflavones and trace minerals, all of which are naturally present in the formulation.

Should I take anything else alongside Thorne Choleast-900?

Thorne notes that the enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis are also involved in CoQ10 production, so they recommend considering a CoQ10 supplement alongside Choleast-900. Consulting a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement routine is always advisable.