White Rice Consumption Research Articles

Does long-term application of fertilizers enhance the micronutrient density in soil and crop?—Evidence from a field trial conducted on a 47-year-old rice paddy

To date, how optimized, long-term fertilizer application affects the concentration of micronutrients in the milling fractions of rice grains (bran or edible grain part) with details of their dietary exposure upon consumption has not been much explored. In this study, we report results from a 47-year-old field experiment conducted in rice paddy. Soil and rice grain samples were collected from a 47-year-old long-term fertilization field trial (treatments included NPK, compost, NPK + compost, and no fertilizer/control) conducted at Miryang, South Korea. Density of total micronutrients namely As, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, V, and Zn in soil and rice milling fractions were quantified using ICP-MS and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICPOES). Concentrations of the exchangeable and water-soluble micronutrients in the soil were also determined by ICP-MS and ICPOES. Potentially bioavailable soil micronutrient levels, micronutrient transfer from soil to rice grain, and dietary intake level of micronutrients by rice consumption were calculated. The correlations between soil properties and crop micronutrient availability were analyzed. In general, long-term fertilization (NPK + compost > NPK > compost) yielded a significant effect on grain As, B, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, V, and Zn fortification and promoted bioavailable soil micronutrient density. The highest contributors to micronutrient intake could be rice grains from long-term NPK + compost fertilized plots. However, estimated levels were still lower than the recommended dietary intake levels for micronutrients established by FAO/WHO. From our study, it is important to note that 80% of total micronutrient content (Fe, Mn, Zn, Co, Ni, Se, and V) were concentrated in rice bran. This has important implications for human nutrition and health. Furthermore, correlation analysis indicates that available soil P could be considered a predictor of crop micronutrient intake. Optimized long-term application of compost with NPK fertilizers to soils is a potential grain fortification strategy. Long-term fertilization will not reasonably benefit individuals who consume only white rice, because bran with enriched micronutrients will be removed by milling. We suggest replacing the consumption of white rice by brown rice so that individuals have a better micronutrient intake.

Pengaruh Varietas Beras Putih Sumatera Barat Terhadap Nilai Hematokrit Darah Mencit (Mus Musculus L. Swiss Webster) Jantan

White rice is considered as a food have hyperglycemic, it can increase the risk of Diabetes Mellitus. Changes in blood hematocrit value is very risky for people with Diabetic. High hematocrit value increases the risk of hypertension in patients with Diabetic. Meanwhile, a low hematocrit values can lead to anemia in patients. Thus it made to reduce the risk of diabetic disease has to limit consumption of white rice. In fact, white rice glycemic response varies widely, influenced by processing, varieties, and chemical composition.West Sumatra white rice have high amylose deemed able to increase blood glucose slowly. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of white rice varieties West Sumatra on blood hematocrit value mice (Mus musculus L. Swiss Webster) males. This research used Completely Randomized Design with 7 treatments and 4 replications. The treatment were 0,5 mL sugar solution as a control, and 0,5 mL of rice flour Bakwan, Ciredek, Cantiak Manih, Randah Putiah, Mundam and Anak Daro. Blood hematocrit value mice (Mus musculus L. Swiss Webster) males measured on day 7th and 15th. Data analyzed by ANOVA and DNMRT at significance level of 5%. The results showed white rice varieties West Sumatra affect blood hematocrit values mice (Mus musculus L. Swiss Webster) males. White rice varieties resulted the highest hematocrit values found in male mice is rice Ciredek of Solok. Meanwhile, the normal hematocrit values found in male mice were given rice Mundam of Pariaman. Rice Mundam can be consumed by people with Diabetes because it provides stable results for hematocrit value. Keywords: Rice White, Blood Glucose, Mus musculus, Hematocrit

Is White rice the culprit for the expanding waist line in South Indians?

Increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in India has a direct association with the rising prevalence of obesity-related co-morbidities. Dietary factors are correlated with overweight and obesity; therefore, dietary intervention could be a target for obesity prevention. Objective: To assess the nutritional status of the diabetic population and to evaluate if white rice is contributing to the high prevalence of abdominal obesity, general obesity in the study group. Whether Waist Circumference (WC) and Waist Hip Ratio(WHR) are better indices for measuring obesity than Body mass Index(BMI) Methods: An observational study was done in a total of 23417 diabetics (9183 women, 14234 men) between the age group of 25-98 years. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumference were measured and recorded using standard measuring instruments. Classification of obesity was done using World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria for BMI in Asians, while WC and WHR according to IDF criteria. Nutritional status of 3750 patients was assessed based on 24 hour dietary recall, accounting for the amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fat intake. Also the number of servings of vegetables and fruits were recorded. Results: Prevalence of overweight and obese according to BMI (WHO) is 85% in women and 74% in men. WHR identified 89% of men with abdominal obesity compared to 76% of women. The waist circumference among men and women according to the IDF criteria 65% men (n=9235) and 89 % women (n=8175) have a WC above the normal. This proves that WHR and WC are better indices than BMI in identifying people with abdominal obesity and high risk for cardiovascular morbidity. The age incidence of diabetes was similar in both men and women. Major calories are derived from carbohydrates up to the extent of 80% of which 50% is derived from white rice thus contributing to the higher prevalence of both abdominal and general obesity. In people with abnormal WC they were consuming 300-400 calories derived from white rice. The high caloric white rice adds to the burden of abdominal obesity and general obesity. 52 % were consuming higher than 2000k calories of their daily intake. The protein consumption is only 8.5% of the total calories and this clearly indicates that there is protein deficiency in the population. 63% consumed less than 2 servings of vegetables against the recommended 3-4 servings. And 66% did not consume any fruits at all. The mean protein intake in the population is 8.53% against the recommended 20-30%. Conclusion: High intake of carbohydrate rich diet, with major contribution from the white rice, low fibre, and low protein, inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables, lack of adequate physical activity is contributing to very high prevalence of abdominal obesity and general obesity. WC and WHR are better indices in defining obesity in the population. We need to change the practice of consumption of white rice to a healthy option of unpolished rice or brown rice, with whole grains and adequate fruits and vegetables.

Rice consumption, incidence of chronic diseases and risk of mortality: meta-analysis of cohort studies.

Findings from cohort studies investigating the association between rice consumption and risk of chronic diseases or mortality have been inconsistent. We performed a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis on all published cohort studies examining white rice consumption in relation to incidence of chronic diseases or risk of mortality. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane review, Google Scholar and Scopus databases for relevant cohort studies published until July 2014. For systematic review, we found nineteen studies examining the association between rice intake and risk of chronic diseases (obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, CVD and cancers) or mortality. Cohort studies which reported relative risk (RR) or odds ratio for highest v. lowest intake of rice and chronic diseases or mortality were included in the meta-analysis. In a meta-analysis on seventeen risk estimates for highest v. lowest category of rice intake, provided from twelve studies, we found a trend towards a positive association (RR; 95 % CI) between rice consumption and risk of all chronic diseases (1·11; 0·96, 1·29); however, significant between-study heterogeneity was found (I 2=70·3 %, P<0·001). Stratified analysis by gender showed a significant positive association between rice consumption and risk of chronic diseases in women (1·40; 1·13, 1·73), but not in men (0·95; 0·72, 1·24). Combining ten effect sizes from five studies showed that high consumption of rice was not significantly associated with mortality (0·97; 0·88, 1·06). Subgroup analysis by gender indicated an inverse association between rice consumption and mortality in men (0·87; 0·81, 0·94), but a trend towards a positive association in women (1·08; 0·97, 1·19). Although white rice consumption was not found to be associated with individual chronic conditions, we observed a positive association between white rice intake and risk of all overall chronic diseases in women. High rice consumption was related to a modest reduction in risk of mortality in men but not in women. Further studies of these relationships, in different populations, are needed.

White Rice Consumption, Body Mass Index, and Waist Circumference among Iranian Female Adolescents

Objective: Refined grains consumption is positively associated with obesity. White rice is the most usual refined grain in Iran. However, few studies have assessed the association between rice intake and anthropometric measures among adolescents. Therefore, we aimed to compare anthropometric measures as well as the diet quality indices across the tertiles of white rice consumption among Iranian adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 415 female adolescents who were chosen by using a systematic cluster random sampling. Dietary intake assessment was done using a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measures were done according to the standard protocols. Diet quality indices (including dietary energy density [DED], nutrient adequacy ratio [NAR], and mean adequacy ratio [MAR]) were calculated using standard definitions. Results: The prevalence of overweight across the tertiles of rice consumption was 11.6, 17.8, and 24.6%, respectively (p = 0.03). Corresponding values for obesity were 2.1, 5.7, and 8.6%, respectively (p = 0.04). A significant positive association was observed for the prevalence of central obesity across the tertile of rice intake (13.1, 21.4, and 28.1%; p = 0.02). Dietary fiber and energy intake and diet quality indices were significantly different among different tertiles of white rice intake. Those in the highest tertiles of white rice intake had the lowest scores for MAR and NAR and highest scores for DED. Conclusion: There was significant association between rice consumption and obesity as well as diet quality indices among Iranian adolescents.

Factors influencing the use and consumption of brown rice in Chinese restaurants

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to examine factors influencing current use and consumption of brown and white rice in Chinese restaurants. Thirty Chinese restaurants were selected from the Twin Cities metro area to participate in the study. Face-to-face or phone interviews, based on a questionnaire, were conducted with a manger/owner of each restaurant. Plate waste observations were used to examine consumption for brown rice consumers (n = 200) and white rice consumers (n = 153) in a chain-Chinese restaurant. Data were analyzed using a t-test and analysis of variance. Results indicated that in 15 of the total restaurants, both brown and white rice were served. The main motivator for serving brown rice was to attract health conscious consumers, while low customer request was the major constraint for non-use. Authentic/family owned restaurants were less likely to serve brown rice than chain restaurants. Brown rice (85%) consumption was significantly higher than white rice (79%; P = .02), based on an average serving size of 8.7 oz. These results suggest that the availability of brown rice in restaurants increases consumption among brown rice eaters.

Association Between Anthropometric Measurements and Dietary Habits in a Young Adult Female Population in Selected Areas in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka

Obesity and abdominal obesity are becoming major public health problem in certain countries. Causes for obesity are multi-factorial; among them various dietary factors play an important role. The main cause of obesity‐related deaths is cardiovascular disease, for which abdominal obesity is a predisposing factor [1]. Abdominal obesity is defined as Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) above 0.90 for males and above 0.85 for females [2]. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a parameter that is useful in assessing obesity, overweight and malnutrition. The study aimed to assess the association between anthropometric measurements and the dietary habits in a female population of two study areas. A cross-sectional study was conducted separately at Hungama and Hiththatiya-Middle areas within Hambantota and Matara districts of Southern province of Sri Lanka. 304 healthy females between 20-50 years of age were selected by systematic random sampling method. For the calculation of BMI and WHR, height and weight, Waist Circumference (WC) and Hip Circumference (HC) of each individual were measured. The World Health Organization cut-off points were used to categorize BMI and WHR. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to assess dietary habits. There is a statistically significant difference between the WHR and consumption of potato (p= 0.002) in Hungama as well as significant difference can be seen between WHR and consumption of red raw rice (p= 0.022) and white raw rice (p= 0.020) in Hiththatiya middle. Present study shows statistically positive relationship between the BMI and consumption of potato (p= 0.002) yogurt (p= 0.046) and fried food (p=0.033) in the total study population. Prevalence of obesity (6.6%) and abdominal obesity (47%) in whole population are higher with compared with other similar studies [3].

Abstract 17006: Is White Rice Consumption a Risk for Cardiovascular Disease? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: Current proposed Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015 suggested replacing refined grains (e.g., white rice) with whole grains (e.g., brown rice) for improved health outcomes; however, the association between white rice consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was not fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between rice consumption, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process &amp; Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from database inception through May 2015. Observational studies were included if the studies reported hazard ratios (HRs) or odd ratios (ORs) of the associations between rice consumption, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Data were extracted by one reviewer and then reviewed by two independent reviewers. Conflicts were resolved through consensus. Using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects models, we calculated pooled HRs and pooled ORs with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. The quality of the included studies and publication bias were assessed. Results: Out of 343 retrieved articles, we identified 6 cross-sectional and 9 prospective studies with a total of 575,852 individuals with 24,649 total CVD events and 4,409 metabolic syndrome cases. The highest category of white rice consumption (≥5 times/week) was associated with a 37% higher risk of metabolic syndrome (pooled OR, 1.37; 95% CI: 1.03-1.84; p&lt;0.001; I 2 = 78.7%) but not a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (pooled HR, 1.01; 95% CI: 0.95-1.08; p=0.65; I 2 = 0%), compared to the lowest category (≤1 time/month). Conclusions: Higher white rice consumption has not been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases but may be associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome.

Analysis of Dietary Intake Status and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome According to White Rice Consumption in Korea: Basted on Data 1st (1998), 4th (2007~2009), 6th (2013) Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES)

The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between white rice consumption and dietary intake, the risk of metabolic syndrome in Korean based on (1998), (2007~2009), (2013) KNHANES. This study included 25,799 subjects who were age 10 or over. Three groups(low, medium, high) were divided according to white rice consumption (per day). In the low group, the meat and oil intake were significantly higher than the high group. In the survey year, the BMI, waist circumstances, hypertriglyceridemia and fasting blood glucose in the high group were higher than other groups, however the and survey year showed no significant results. In the survey year the risk of waist circumstances was higher in the high white rice consumption group and also had high risk with hypertriglyceridemia. Since the lower white rice consumption in than survey year we found no significant results. But in the 6th survey year with the lowest white rice consumption the risk of high diastolic pressure was reduced in high group. Because continuously reduced white rice consumption meantime showed more intake of meat and oil, it can be concluded that defensive effects with the Korean health.

Rice consumption and cancer incidence in US men and women.

While both the 2012 and 2014 Consumer Reports concerned arsenic levels in US rice, no previous study has evaluated long-term consumption of total rice, white rice and brown rice in relation to risk of developing cancers. We investigated this in the female Nurses' Health Study (1984-2010), and Nurses' Health Study II (1989-2009), and the male Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2008), which included a total of 45,231 men and 160,408 women, free of cancer at baseline. Validated food frequency questionnaires were used to measure rice consumption at baseline and repeated almost every 4 years thereafter. We employed Cox proportional hazards regression model to estimate multivariable relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). During up to 26 years of follow-up, we documented 31,655 incident cancer cases (10,833 in men and 20,822 in women). Age-adjusted results were similar to multivariable-adjusted results. Compared to participants with less than one serving per week, the multivariable RRs of overall cancer for individuals who ate at least five servings per week were 0.97 for total rice (95% CI: 0.85-1.07), 0.87 for white rice (95% CI: 0.75-1.01), and 1.17 for brown rice (95% CI: 0.90-1.26). Similar non-significant associations were observed for specific sites of cancers including prostate, breast, colon and rectum, melanoma, bladder, kidney, and lung. Additionally, the null associations were observed among European Americans and non-smokers, and were not modified by BMI. Long-term consumption of total rice, white rice or brown rice was not associated with risk of developing cancer in US men and women.

Study on White Rice Consumption and Metabolic Risk factor in Korean Elderly: Focused on Muscle

Study on White Rice Consumption and Metabolic Risk factor in Korean Elderly: Focused on Muscle

Study on White Rice Consumption and Metabolic Risk factor in Korean Elderly: Focused on Muscle

Study on White Rice Consumption and Metabolic Risk factor in Korean Elderly: Focused on Muscle

Effect of co-ingestion of amino acids with rice on glycaemic and insulinaemic response.

Consumption of high glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic response (GR) food such as white rice has been implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have reported the ability of individual amino acids to reduce GR of carbohydrate-rich foods. Because of the bitter flavour of amino acids, they have rarely been used to reduce GR. We now report the use of a palatable, preformed amino acid mixture in the form of essence of chicken. In all, sixteen healthy male Chinese were served 68 or 136 ml amino acid mixture together with rice, or 15 or 30 min before consumption of white rice. Postprandial blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations were measured at fasting and every 15 min after consumption of the meal until 60 min after the consumption of the white rice. Subsequent blood samples were taken at 30-min intervals until 210 min. The co-ingestion of 68 ml of amino acid mixture with white rice produced the best results in reducing the peak blood glucose and GR of white rice without increasing the insulinaemic response. It is postulated that amino acid mixtures prime β-cell insulin secretion and peripheral tissue uptake of glucose. The use of ready-to-drink amino acid mixtures may be a useful strategy for lowering the high-GI rice diets consumed in Asia.

No Evidence of Increased Risk of Stroke with Consumption of Refined Grains: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

Results of the relationships between dietary consumption of refined grains and the risk of stroke are mixed. This study was based on a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. We systematically searched the MEDLINE (from January 1, 1966) and EMBASE (from January 1, 1974) databases up to November 30, 2014. Random-effects models were used to calculate summary relative risks (SRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I(2) statistics. Eight prospective studies (7 publications) with a total of 410,821 subjects and 8284 stroke events were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, a diet containing greater amounts of refined grains was not associated with risk of stroke, with no evidence of heterogeneity among studies (SRR = 1.02; 95% CI, .93-1.10; P(heterogeneity) = .970; I(2) = 0). In addition, no significant associations between consumption of refined grains and risk of stroke were found for both women and men, for both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes, and for both incident and fatal strokes. These null results are consistent with those of linear dose-response meta-analyses (SRR = .98; 95% CI, .73-1.03 for per 3 servings/day). Consumption of white rice was not associated with risk of stroke (SRR = 1.01; 95% CI, .93-1.11; P(heterogeneity) = .966; I(2) = 0). The current meta-analysis provides some evidence for the hypothesis that consumption of refined grains was not associated with risk of stroke and its subtypes.

White rice consumption and risk of esophageal cancer in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, northwest China: a case-control study.

This study investigated the association between white rice consumption and the risk of esophageal cancer in remote northwest China, where the cancer incidence is known to be high. A case-control study was conducted during 2008–2009 in Urumqi and Shihezi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. Participants were 359 incident esophageal cancer patients and 380 hospital-based controls. Information on habitual white rice consumption was obtained by personal interview using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between white rice consumption and the esophageal cancer risk. Confounding variables including socio-demographics, family history, dietary and lifestyle factors were adjusted in the multivariate model. The esophageal cancer patients reported lower consumption levels of white rice-based products, including cooked white rice and porridge, when compared to the control group. Overall, regular consumption of white rice foods was inversely associated with the esophageal cancer risk, the adjusted OR being 0.34 (95 % CI 0.23 to 0.52) for the highest (>250 g) versus the lowest (<92 g) tertile of daily intake. Similar reductions in risk were also apparent for high consumption levels of cooked white rice and porridge. In conclusion, habitual white rice consumption was associated with a reduced risk of esophageal cancer for adults residing in northwest China. Our findings provide evidence to support the continued consumption of white rice.

White Rice Intake Varies in Its Association with Metabolic Markers of Diabetes and Dyslipidemia Across Region among Chinese Adults

Background/Aims: There are inconsistent associations between white rice consumption and diabetes and dyslipidemia, perhaps due to the nature of samples studied and quality of diet data. Methods: Using regionally diverse data from adults enrolled in the China Health and Nutrition Survey (n = 7,878) with diet data from three repeated 24-hour recalls and fasting blood to derive diabetes and dyslipidemia, we examined the odds of diabetes and dyslipidemia in participants across region-specific tertiles of percent energy from white rice consumption. Results: The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes, high triglycerides, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and atherogenic dyslipidemia (AD) was 4.7%, 31.8%, 31.3%, 25.9%, and 14.6%, respectively. We found an inverse association between the highest (versus lowest) tertile of rice intake and diabetes in Central China (odds ratio (OR): 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.36-0.99). The highest rice consumption was also associated with high triglycerides (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.09-1.95), low HDL (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.03-1.85), and AD (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.15-2.31) in North China, and low LDL (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.42-0.69) in Central China. Conclusions: The association between white rice consumption and diabetes and dyslipidemia markers varied across regions of China, suggesting a role of other dietary and health-related exposures, beyond rice.

Dietary Pattern and Rice Consumption in Northwest Arkansas

Rice is used in a variety of products and recipes, including Korean rice cakes. The objective of this study is to determine the dietary intake and consumption of brown and white rice in Northwest Arkansas. A food frequency questionnaire was administered to assess dietary intake and rice consumption. Surveys were collected from Caucasian men (n=60) and women (n=106), with an average age of 30.8±14.3, residing in Northwest Arkansas. Nutrition data was analyzed by Nutritionist Pro™ software (Stafford, TX). Results were categorized by gender and age (18‐30, n=111, 31‐50, n=30, and 51+ n=25). No statistically significant difference was found for calories, carbohydrate percentage, total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat or cholesterol between age groups. Individuals 18‐30 consumed significantly more protein than ages 31‐50 (p&lt;0.05). Individuals 51‐70 consumed significantly more lipids than those 18‐30 (p&lt;0.05). Ages 31‐50 consumed significantly more fiber than ages 18‐30 and 51‐70, and more polyunsaturated fat than those 18‐30 (p&lt;0.05). The majority reported white rice consumption 1‐3 times monthly (37%) and brown rice consumption less than once monthly (55%). Individuals 31‐50 consumed the most white rice weekly (37%) and the most brown rice monthly (50%). This data suggests that individuals 31‐50 consume the highest amount of fiber and polyunsaturated fat and rice. With increasing gluten‐intolerance, rice and rice product will continue to be utilized for future research application. Funding provided by Korean Food Research Institute is greatly appreciated.

Estimated effects of white rice consumption and rice variety selection on incidence of type 2 diabetes in Cambodia.

Rice consumption patterns are considered an important risk factor for diabetes in many countries. The present study aimed to model the impact of a shift in consumption of white rice from current to appropriately reduced levels and a shift in rice variety from one with a high glycaemic index to one with a low glycaemic index, on the burden of type 2 diabetes in Cambodia. Prevent Plus software was used to model the impact of selected changes to white rice consumption on the burden of type 2 diabetes. Data used for modelling included: demographic projections, relative risk estimates for white rice consumption and diabetes, diabetes incidence, rice type and quantities consumed. The 10-year projections were based on different scenarios of changes in risk factors. With no intervention, 10-year projections showed that total new diabetes cases will increase from 11 315 (9·1 per 10 000 person-years) for the year 2011 to 14 852 new cases (12·4 per 10 000 person-years) in 2020. However, this increase will be reduced by 27 % (average across 10 years) with a change in rice variety from Phka Rumdual to IR66 and by 26 % (average across 10 years) with a 25 % reduction in quantity from current consumption levels. Changing rice consumption patterns has potential for an important impact on diabetes risk, with a change of rice variety having a similar impact on the burden of diabetes in communities consuming rice with a high glycaemic index as a 25 % reduction in the quantity of rice consumed. Similar effects are likely for other countries with rice as a staple food, diversity in rice varieties and high incidence of diabetes.

Association between Rice Consumption and Selected Indicators of Dietary and Nutritional Status using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2008

The present study was aimed at evaluating whether white rice, brown rice, and rice flour consumption has any association with selected measures of dietary intake and nutritional status, including various variables of energy intake, major vitamin and mineral intakes, weigh status, blood pressure, cholesterol level, and serum folate level for adults 20 years and older. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2008 and the Food Commodity Intake Database were used. Rice consumers had a significantly higher energy intake, yet they had lower percentage calorie intake from fat and saturated fat. Rice consumers also had significantly higher intakes of a range of nutrients. Rice consumers had lower waist circumference, triceps skinfold, and were significantly more likely to have a body mass index less than or equal to 25.

Heavy metal pollution and potential health risk assessment of white rice around mine areas in Hunan Province, China

To assess the pollution situation and human health risks, the concentrations of heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn in paddy soils and white rice around seven mining-affected areas in Hunan Province were analyzed. The ranges of concentrations of Pb (23.9–1595.8 mg kg−1), Cd (0.3–9.5 mg kg−1), Cu (31.2–321.5 mg kg−1) and Zn (56.1–3478.9 mg kg−1) in all paddy soils were significantly higher than Hunan background values and even exceeded the maximum permissible concentrations for paddy soil quality recommended by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China. The geoaccumulation index (I- geo ) showed that Cd (1.42–6.33) was the predominant pollutant in all paddy soils, while Zn was the least important element. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn in white rice ranged from 0.18 to 0.72 mg kg−1, 0.10 to 1.32 mg kg−1, 3.83 to 5.95 mg kg−1, and 8.64 to 18.18 mg kg−1, respectively. Human health risk, associated with these heavy metals, was assessed based on hazard quotients (HQ) and hazard indexes (HI) for adults through consumption of white rice. HQ values of heavy metals (except for Cd) in most of mining-affected areas were below 1.0, while the HI of all heavy metals in all mine areas was higher than 1.0, the maximum acceptable level, suggesting that consumption of such contaminated white rice was a health risk. Except for the Leng Shui-Jiang mine area, Cd was the major contributor to the risk in the mine areas through white rice consumption, amounting to over 67 % of the HI, while Zn was a minimal contributor compared to the other metals.