Abstract
Objectives: The goal of this study was to determine the association of rice consumption with nutrient intake and diet quality in a recent nationally representative sample of US adults. Methods: NHANES data (2005-2010) were used to assess the association of rice consumption by adults (19+ yrs; N = 14,386) with nutrient intake and diet quality. 24-hour dietary intakes were used to calculate usual intake (UI) of rice consumption using the National Cancer Institute methodology. Rice consumption groups were 0.25 to 0.5 to 1.0 oz. eq. of UI of rice. Diet quality (using the Healthy Eating Index-2005 [HEI-2005]) was calculated. Covariate adjusted least square means ± SE were determined and quartile trends across the rice consumption categories were examined. Results: Significant (p < 0.001) positive trends (β coefficient across rice consumption categories) were seen for sodium (118.99 mg), dietary fiber (0.57 g), folate (58.24 μg DFE), magnesium (11.83 mg), iron (0.97 mg) and potassium (29.45 mg). Significant negative trends (p < 0.0001) were seen for intakes of saturated fatty acids (－1.75 g), added sugars (－1.31 g); and calcium (－40.46 mg). HEI-2005 also showed a positive trend (p < 0.0001) with rice consumption (5.5 points). HEI-2005 component scores for total fruit (0.07), whole fruit (0.11), dark green/orange vegetables (0.25), total grains (0.10), meat/beans (0.24), and oils (0.15) were higher (p < 0.01) in rice consumers than non-consumers. HEI-2005 component scores for saturated fatty acids (0.63), solid fats, added sugars, and alcohol (1.22) were higher suggesting more favorable intake, but sodium (－0.24) was lower. Conclusion: Overall, consumption of rice should be encouraged to improve nutrient intake and diet quality. Nutrition education can provide ways to reduce sodium added to rice dishes.
Highlights
White rice is a refined grain that is a staple food in many parts of the world and is becoming more widely consumed in the US [1]
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2002 data were used to show that Asians and Asian-Americans had the highest consumption of rice in the US [1], confirming results from a previous study using data from a smaller population in Houston, Texas [5]
The NHANES data showed that 48.3% of “other” races/ethnicities consumed at least 1/4 cup of cooked rice/day, compared with only 13.4% of non-Hispanic whites, 16.5% of non-Hispanic blacks, and 21.8% of Mexican-Americans [1]
Summary
White rice is a refined grain that is a staple food in many parts of the world and is becoming more widely consumed in the US [1]. Current intake of rice in the US is approximately 21.2 pounds per captia/year [3], with more than 70% being enriched, fortified white rice. This may be the result from a public emphasis on healthy lifestyles, the rising demand for gluten-free foods, or continued introduction and domestic use of new rice-based products [4]. The NHANES data showed that 48.3% of “other” races/ethnicities (including Asians, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Alaskan Natives) consumed at least 1/4 cup of cooked rice/day, compared with only 13.4% of non-Hispanic whites, 16.5% of non-Hispanic blacks, and 21.8% of Mexican-Americans [1]. Further clarification of rice consumption patterns is clearly needed, since Goodwin et al [5] found different levels of consumption among different Asian-American groups
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
