RICE PROTEIN Overview Information
Rice protein is protein that has been taken from rice. Sometimes it is broken down into smaller pieces. Rice protein that is broken down into smaller pieces is called rice protein hydrolysate.
Rice protein is taken by mouth for muscle strength and muscle soreness. It is also used in infant formulas for babies who are allergic to cow's milk.
Rice protein is used in skin and hair products.
How does it work?
Rice protein provides the body with nutrients called amino acids. The kinds of amino acids in rice protein might help to protect the body from too much sugar in the blood. They might also help to reduce blood pressure and blood fats.
RICE PROTEIN Uses & Effectiveness
Possibly Effective for:
- Food allergies. Most infant formulas are made with protein that comes from cow's milk. If an infant is allergic to cow's milk, a special form of cow's milk formula can be used instead. But this type of formula often tastes bitter. Most research shows that rice protein formulas can be a good protein replacement for these babies. When rice protein is used in formula, it is broken down into smaller pieces and some additional nutrients are added to make it a complete source of nutrition for infants.
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Muscle soreness caused by exercise. Early research shows that taking rice protein in water immediately after exercise works as well as whey protein for reducing muscle soreness after exercise.
- Muscle strength. Early research shows that taking rice protein in water immediately after exercise works as well as whey protein for building muscle strength.
RICE PROTEIN Side Effects & Safety
When taken by mouth: Rice protein is POSSIBLY SAFE when used as an ingredient in foods.
When applied to the skin: Rice protein is POSSIBLY SAFE.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Children: Rice protein is POSSIBLY SAFE when used orally by children 1 month of age and older. It has been used safely as a special form of infant formula by infants who are allergic to cow's milk. But some infants can be allergic to rice protein, so this type of formula should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.Rice contains inorganic arsenic, which can be unsafe in large amounts. Look for products that include the amount of arsenic on the label.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough information to know if rice protein is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and only use amounts found in food.
RICE PROTEIN Dosing
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
- For food allergies: Infant formula containing rice protein and other nutrients has been used as the only source of food for infants between 1-6 months of age. It has been used along with other foods in children between 6 months and 2 years of age.