Rice protein supplements are made from brown rice. The rice is treated with enzymes that separate the carbohydrates from the proteins. The resulting protein powder can be used as a great vegan, hypoallergenic source of supplemental protein.

Benefits of Rice Protein

Unlike many of the other protein sources, rice is hypoallergenic. It is vegan and gluten-free, and is also much less expensive than some other protein sources.

It is also lower on the food chain than animal sources such as whey or egg, requiring less of an ecological footprint to produce.

Digestibility and Bioavailability

This protein powder is extremely easy to digest (think of rice pablum for babies), and the protein is quite bioavailable. The BV (biological value) rating of this protein is 59.

Supplement Options

Rice protein is not a complete protein, so it cannot be eaten as the sole protein source in one’s diet. Because it is naturally low in lysine, it must be consumed with other forms of protein, either in the diet or in powder form. Commercially, this protein is often combined with pea protein to create a more balanced protein supplement that remains hypoallergenic and vegan.

Shopping for Quality Rice Protein

This protein comes in powder form and can be found in drink mixes, smoothies, meal replacements, body building supplements, protein bars, and in plain powder form. The powder can be mixed with water, juice, or into a smoothie or can be added to food or baking to increase daily protein intake. Dosing depends on your body’s protein requirements, which vary with activity level and muscle mass. In general, people need between 1 and 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Some protein supplements far exceed this requirement. If you wish to dose at higher levels, follow the recommended dosage on the supplement label.