Effects of Rice Consumption on Selected Indicators of Nutritional Status

Abstract

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans continue to recommend increased consumption of grains, particularly whole grains. The specific types of whole grains are rarely specified. The present study was aimed as evaluating whether rice consumption, both white and brown, had any association with nutrient intake, diet quality or body mass index. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2008, combined with the Food Commodity Intake Database (FCID), were used. Study participants were categorized into three levels: high rice consumers, medium rice consumers, and zero rice consumers. Rice consumers had a significantly higher intake of calcium, thiamin and folate but not other nutrients. Rice consumers, both medium and high, were more likely to have a body mass index less than 25.0 (p<0.05), despite the fact that the high rice consuming group had significantly higher energy intakes. Diet quality as measured by the USDA Healthy Eating Index was higher for rice consumers. These results suggest that the type of grain, as well as amount of grain, consumed may be an important influence on nutritional status.