Brown Rice Found to Contain Higher Arsenic Levels Than White Rice, Study Warns

Watan-A recent study has shown that brown rice contains significantly higher amounts of the toxic substance arsenic compared to white rice.

Chronic arsenic consumption can lead to skin and digestive problems, as well as an increased risk of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

Arsenic in Brown Rice Poses Risks to Young Children

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that early childhood exposure to arsenic is “associated with negative effects on cognitive development and increased mortality among youth.”

The study’s researchers pointed out that there is a potential risk of harmful arsenic exposure in children under the age of five, as they may consume more food relative to their body weight compared to adults.

According to the study, brown rice accumulates higher levels of arsenic because the toxic element is concentrated in the outer layers of the grain, which are retained in brown rice but removed during the processing of white rice. This means that although brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients, it also delivers a larger dose of arsenic.

Simple Steps to Reduce Arsenic Risk from Rice

However, there’s no need to panic, as researchers noted that arsenic exposure among most Americans in the analysis did not reach levels of concern or pose significant health risks.

Experts simply recommend diversifying grain options and using cooking methods that can reduce arsenic content, such as rinsing rice thoroughly and cooking it in excess water—especially for young children.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also issued guidelines to limit rice consumption among children and pregnant women, due to evidence linking inorganic arsenic exposure to brain development issues and cancer risk.