Recent reports have heightened concerns about arsenic levels in rice products here in the US. This has left many parents wondering if we should be serving rice to babies and children. The video summarizes my current recommendations.
Read the report from the Pediatric Health Environmental Specialty Unit mentioned in the video. References on authors and sources are at the end of the report. This report is calm, informative, and backed by experts—there appear to be no false claims.
Remember, arsenic is a naturally occurring element on earth. However, natural doesn’t necessarily mean “good for you.” There are two types of arsenic–organic and inorganic. In general, it’s the inorganic arsenic that we worry about. The big picture goal for all of us is to eat a diverse diet full of a variety of foods thus protecting us by decreasing exposures to any one thing.
Arsenic is large quantities has been found to pose health risks. So taking steps to minimize consumption of foods high in arsenic may be beneficial. Before you bail on rice althogether, know that not every group is ready to tell you to rid your pantry of rice. Here’s what the American Academy of Pediatrics says currently (fall 2012).
5 Tips To Reduce Arsenic Consumption For Your Family:
- Have your water checked for arsenic if you have well water or a private water supply. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates arsenic levels in public water. But if you have any questions or concerns about public water, call your water company and ask about report data.
- Consider minimizing rice in your diet. But know, it’s not just rice that provides arsenic exposure in our lives. Fruits, veggies, and juices have inorganic arsenic contamination as well, but the Consumer Reports data compared people who ate rice to those who didn’t partially because previous studies (in Europe) have found that 1/2 of inorganic arsenic we consume may come from the rice in cereals we eat. Consumer Reports found significant differences–those who ate rice in the 24 hours prior to testing had 44% more arsenic than those who didn’t. Because rice is often grown in fields with a history of pesticide use, it may carry higher levels of arsenic than other foods due to its absorption of the water during its growing cycle. Some tests have found that brown rice has more arsenic than white rice, too (arsenic may concentrate in the outer brown hull). Further, although some summaries I’ve read tell consumers to check where rice is grown but I’ve had a really difficult time figuring out the source for rice in products we buy in our own house. Source may matter though: 76% of domestic rice is grown in just 4 US states and those four states reportedly produced rice with higher levels of arsenic. For now, if you can’t determine where the rice was grown don’t fret but instead minimize potential contamination: when serving and eating rice, rinse it with water first before cooking.
- Rice doesn’t need to be baby’s first food! Significant levels of arsenic were found in infant rice cereal, even when organic. Start with fruit or veggies as baby’s first food. Cereal is not a “must eat” food. If you’re concerned about iron needs in your baby after 4-6 months of age, talk with your pediatrician, family practitioner, or ARNP about options for optimizing iron in your baby’s diet.
- Read the labels of food you eat. Minimize foods with brown rice syrup and rice when you can. Here is Consumer Reports’ recommendations for rice consumption.
- Don’t choose rice milk for children under age 5 years of age. Here’s a nice pediatrician-authored blog post about cow’s milk alternatives.
christina says
Thank you for addressing this concern, it was brought up at our parent support group last week! My only question is about the conflicting recommendation on having rice cereal as the first food. Many health care providers promote rice because it is one of the least allergenic foods. Any comments or alternative suggestions?
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE says
I don’t recommend rice cereal any longer as first food exclusively — it certainly can be but not just because of allergens, but because it’s EASY. And it is a great source of iron. But so are other foods (even meat!) The thing that makes rice most attractive to me is that the flakes are easy to mix with pumped breast milk or formula and you can make a slurry of any consistency. And it’s a great way for parents to start. But— no need. Consider using a fruit or veggie as first food. If concerns about iron, you can add meat, veggies that are dark green, molasses to oatmeal, or even provide your baby with a vitamin — talk with your ped if you’re concerned.
There’s is no clear data saying that rice is FAR safer than other foods. In fact, there’s no recommendation any longer on waiting on “higher allergy” foods until 1 year of age like we used to. Will try to address all of this in an upcoming post.
American Academy of Peds states clearly that rice doesn’t need to be first food. https://aapnews.aappublications.org/content/early/2012/09/19/aapnews.20120919-2
Kimberly says
Thanks so much for addressing this. I have had several moms groups asking me about this issue, and I haven’t had a good response to share. I will be sharing this on the ABC FB page tonight.
Also, thanks for mentioning that rice doesn’t need to be the first food. I think many moms get this message, but we have so many parents interested in baby led weaning that it seems to be a growing trend. Maybe you could address this at a future date?
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE says
A reminder: much of the discussion about arsenic and rice will hopefully push the FDA to consider regulating the amount of arsenic in food sold in the US. Currently only water has regulatory standards when it comes to arsenic.
Heres a 2007 report describing regional differences with arsenic contamination in rice. In general, California grown rice may be safer than that rice grown in the SE part of the US. And the report reminds us that even organic rice can have arsenic contamination because arsenic can be in the soil where the rice is growing.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1892142/
Here’s a nice Feb 2012 NRP summary of concerns about brown rice syrup & more info on arsenic and rice:
https://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/02/23/147294466/in-rice-how-much-arsenic-is-too-much
Becky says
Other baby cereals also have iron fortification and many of the same benefits as rice cereal; if you want to do a baby cereal oatmeal and barley are widely available.
Carolyn says
Great post! Thanks so much for the helpful tips!
Is it also possible to minimize arsenic exposure by consuming organic rice from a certified source?
What Do I Feed My Baby says
Such a grate valuable information, thanks for sharing this level of information. Every parents have to care for their child by feeding best as they can.
Chenden says
Thank you for this fabulous post. I have a question. For a new parent that is researching the best baby products to buy, which product will you recommend as the must-have before every other product? Thank you.