Can You Take Red Yeast Rice and Vitamin B3 Together?

Use extra care with this pair

The short answer

Both Red Yeast Rice (monacolin K / lovastatin) and high-dose Niacin are hepatotoxic. This mirrors the known statin + niacin drug combination that requires liver function monitoring.

How to arrange timing

If both are used for cardiovascular health, monitor liver function regularly. Use immediate-release niacin at the lowest effective dose. Report any signs of liver distress promptly.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Guyton JR, Am J Cardiol 1998; Björnsson ES, Clin Liver Dis 2017; LiverTox (NIH/NLM)

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.