Brown Rice Contains Higher Arsenic Levels, But Experts Say It’s Still Safe

While high arsenic levels don’t present a major health risk for U.S. adults, children younger than 5 years old could be at risk.

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Brown rice contains higher levels of arsenic than white rice, according to new research, prompting recommendations for moderation—particularly for young children. However, researchers stress that typical consumption levels pose minimal health concerns for most Americans.

Children Under 5 at Greatest Risk

The study, conducted by Michigan State University researchers, highlights a food safety concern for U.S. consumers, particularly young children.

The researchers examined rice grown within the United States. They found that brown rice contained 48 percent inorganic arsenic, which is generally more toxic than organic arsenic. White rice contained 33 percent inorganic arsenic. However, the researchers also found that rice grown globally contained even higher arsenic levels, with 65 percent of total arsenic in brown rice being inorganic.

While white rice has its bran and germ removed, brown rice does not, leading to more arsenic being concentrated in brown rice.

Both types of arsenic are naturally occurring chemicals. Organic arsenic is more commonly found in seafood, while inorganic arsenic can occur from volcanic activities. Human activities such as mining and metal smelting can also introduce arsenic into the environment.

While arsenic levels were found to be higher in brown rice sold in the United States, this doesn’t present a major health risk for adults. However, children younger than 5 years old could be at risk simply because they weigh less than adults, according to the authors.

“This research is important because it acknowledges the importance of considering food safety along with nutrition when consumers make choices about food,” Felicia Wu, the study’s senior investigator, said in a statement.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the Earth’s crust and is known to be highly toxic. Rice sits in water, which absorbs inorganic arsenic from the earth.

According to researchers, rice absorbs nearly 10 times more of the substance than other cereal grains because it grows in flooded fields. This allows the plant to take up arsenic from the soil.

Researchers analyzed data on arsenic exposure using resources from the Environmental Protection Agency. Their findings revealed regional differences in arsenic levels.

Levels Not High Enough for Concern

Wu emphasized that these findings should not lead consumers to avoid brown rice entirely or switch solely to white rice. Brown rice still offers important nutrients, such as fiber, protein, and niacin, which are beneficial for health.

“While we found that choosing brown rice over white rice would result in higher arsenic exposure on average, the levels should not cause long-term health problems unless someone ate an enormous amount of brown rice every day for years,” she said.

“Even if arsenic levels are slightly higher in brown rice than white rice, more research is needed to demonstrate if the potential risks from this exposure are mitigated in part by the potential nutritional benefits provided by the rice bran.”

As regulators such as the Food and Drug Administration work to set action levels for arsenic in food products, the researchers are advocating for further analysis of the overall health impacts of brown rice versus white rice. They believe that a comprehensive understanding will aid in balancing health benefits against potential risks.

Alternatives and Preparation Methods

It’s important to vary the whole grains in our diets, Emily Feivor, registered dietitian at Northwell Health in New York City, told The Epoch Times.

There are alternatives to brown rice that parents worried about arsenic might consider for their children, she noted.

“For infants, using an iron-fortified cereal from oats or barley rather than rice can be suggested,” she said.

Others could eat a variety of whole grains such as quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, and polenta, which have very low levels of arsenic, Feivor noted.

Arsenic levels can also be reduced using specific preparation methods. Feivor recommends soaking rice overnight, draining it, and then rinsing it before cooking to reduce arsenic levels.

She said some have suggested that cooking rice with a ratio of one part rice to six parts water can also reduce levels of arsenic.