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.

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Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

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

Used for	Why
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

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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Last Review: 05-12-2015

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.

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Rice Protein

Uses

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