Rice Protein for Weight Management
Rice Protein
Rice protein is extracted from rice and used in some protein supplements. Vegetarians may prefer it over protein supplements made from animal sources (such as whey or casein, which are milk proteins). Since rice is rarely involved in food allergies,1 rice protein may also be preferred by people with food allergies, and may be suitable to use in hypoallergenic infant formulas.2 Rice protein is not a complete protein, however, due to insufficient levels of the amino acids lysine and threonine.3,4 Therefore, these amino acids are often added to rice protein products to correct this imbalance.
Why Do Dieters Use It?*
While no human studies have been done to test the effectiveness of rice protein for muscle growth and repair, athletes sometimes include 10 to 15 grams of rice protein in their daily protein supplement.
What Do the Advocates Say?*
High-protein diets may be effective for weight loss, but some dieters are vegetarian and others may be sensitive to dairy or gluten. Since rice protein is plant-based and gluten-free, it can be a convenient source of protein for these dieters.
How Much Is Usually Taken by Dieters?
Some dieters following a high protein diet aim for 1 gram or more of protein per day per pound of body weight.