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Rice Protein

Uses

Rice protein is extracted from rice and used in some protein supplements. Vegetarians may prefer it over protein supplements made from animal sources (such as whey or casein, which are milk proteins). Since rice is rarely involved in food allergies,1 rice protein may also be preferred by people with food allergies, and may be suitable to use in hypoallergenic infant formulas.2 Rice protein is not a complete protein, however, due to insufficient levels of the amino acids lysine and threonine.3, 4 Therefore, these amino acids are often added to rice protein products to correct this imbalance.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used forWhy
1 Star
Atherosclerosis
Refer to label instructions
Though not yet proven in clinical research, animal studies suggest that rice protein–based diets result in less buildup of atherosclerotic plaque compared with animal protein–based diets.
Animal studies suggest that rice protein–based diets result in less buildup of atherosclerotic plaque compared with animal protein–based diets. This effect may be due to mechanisms involving antioxidant function, cholesterol metabolism, or insulin function. Controlled human studies are needed to determine whether consuming rice protein can prevent or treat atherosclerotic disease.
1 Star
Athletic Performance
Refer to label instructions
Some athletes believe rice protein may also improve blood flow to muscle to enhance growth and repair. However, no research has investigated the effects of rice protein on athletic performance.

Compared with other protein supplements, rice protein has more of the amino acid arginine, and since arginine is a vasodilator that can enhance blood flow to tissues, some athletes believe rice protein may also improve blood flow to muscle to enhance growth and repair. However, no research has investigated the effects of rice protein on athletic performance.

1 Star
Obesity
Refer to label instructions
Rice protein may be a good choice for dieters who are vegan or sensitive to dairy and want to boost protein in their diet.
Researchers have found plant-based protein supplements can help reduce appetite and improve blood glucose control, support cardiovascular health, and may help promote weight loss while preserving muscle mass. Dieters who are vegan or sensitive to dairy may benefit from supplementing with rice protein. Animal research suggests rice protein may induce weight loss by improving fat metabolism.

How It Works

How to Use It

While rice protein’s effectiveness has not been tested in human studies, athletes sometimes include 10 to 15 grams of rice protein in their daily protein supplement.

Where to Find It

Cooked rice contains about 8 to 11% protein, or 2 to 3 grams per ½ cup serving. Concentrated rice protein is available as a supplement.

Possible Deficiencies

Deficiencies of rice protein are not important, since most diets provide many other sources of protein and Western diets are typically abundant.

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Side Effects

Although rice protein is considered unlikely to cause an allergic reaction,5 severe allergic sensitivity to rice protein-based formulas in some infants has been reported.6 Formula in which the rice protein is predigested is unlikely to cause such severe reactions, even in infants who are allergic to other proteins.7, 8

References

1. Moro GE, Warm A, Arslanoglu S, Miniello V. Management of bovine protein allergy: new perspectives and nutritional aspects. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2002;89(6 Suppl 1):91-6 [review].

2. Koo WW, Lasekan JB. Rice protein-based infant formula: current status and future development. Minerva Pediatr 2007;59:35-41 [review].

3. Murata K, Nishikaze M, Tanaka M. Nutritional quality of rice protein compared with whole egg protein. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1977;23:125-31.

4. MacLean WC Jr, Placko RP, Graham GG. Postprandial plasma free amino acid changes in preschool children consuming exclusively rice protein. J Nutr 1979;109:1285-9.

5. Koo WW, Lasekan JB. Rice protein-based infant formula: current status and future development. Minerva Pediatr 2007;59:35-41 [review].

6. Hojsak I, Kljaić-Turkalj M, Misak Z, Kolacek S. Rice protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome. Clin Nutr 2006;25:533-6.

7. Reche M, Pascual C, Fiandor A, et al. The effect of a partially hydrolysed formula based on rice protein in the treatment of infants with cow's milk protein allergy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010;21:577-85.

8. Koo WW, Lasekan JB. Rice protein-based infant formula: current status and future development. Minerva Pediatr 2007;59:35-41 [review].

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