Brown Rice Protein: Health Benefits, Nutrition Facts & More

Have you considered incorporating brown rice protein into your next protein powder? What about your next workout? Here are five facts that you may want to consider!

What Is Brown Rice Protein?

Brown rice protein is a protein supplement made from brown rice, which is later converted into powder form. By weight, it contains 78% protein, 36% essential amino acids, and 18% branched-chain amino acids. This protein is hypoallergenic and is an excellent supplement with many health benefits.[i]

5 Things You Didn't Know About Brown Rice Protein

Brown Rice Protein vs. Whey

In an 8 week-long study, researchers at the University of Tampa found that when athletes were given rice protein post-resistance exercise, there was an increase in lean body mass, decrease in fat-mass, increase in skeletal muscle growth, as well as enhanced power and strength in ways that were comparable to the results generated by whey protein usage.

While some studies, including this one, have noted that though the effects of rice protein are comparable to those of whey protein, the rice-induced results are ever so slightly less than whey-induced results when the protein isolates are delivered in low doses. These findings are usually outweighed by the fact that these same studies have also found that, when given in larger or maximum doses, the effects of the two protein types are once again comparable if not equal.
Brown Rice Protein as Opposed to Whey Protein "Grumbles"

It certainly isn't the most flattering or delicate of subjects, but the whey protein "grumbles" happen to be some of the most common side effects associated with this protein. While the gas build-up and flatulence that can result from whey (and other milk-based protein) usage have the potential to be rather embarrassing, they're generally recognized as harmless side effects.

But, for those who wish to rid themselves of the whey protein grumbles for good, brown rice protein (or any rice protein, for that matter) can serve as an excellent alternative. Essentially, rice proteins are hypoallergenic in nature; meaning that chances of rice proteins eliciting an allergic response in any form (be it the grumbles, stuffed sinuses, or mucus build-up in the throat) are slim to none.
Does Brown Rice Protein Powder Have Any Side Effects?

No! Among other things, one of the most popular complaints about many plant proteins that consumers will have is that they're incomplete proteins – meaning that they don't contain all of the essential amino acids. As we established in our plant-based protein myth-busting piece, the fact that many of them are incomplete proteins doesn't actually have any negative impact on our body's ability to use them.

What's more, even if – hypothetically speaking – being an incomplete protein meant that the body had to process that protein differently, the majority of plant-based protein products available on the market today are fortified (usually with the help of a natural process like fermentation) to contain a complete amino acid profile.

For those who still want to take in all nine essential amino acids before their next workout with the help of a minimally processed protein, combining brown rice protein with pea protein may be an ideal solution. Where brown rice protein products have been recognized for their low levels of lysine (an essential amino recognized for its role in muscle building),pea proteins have been recognized for their relatively high levels of lysine. So, what happens when you combine the two? You have a plant-based protein regiment that includes all nine essential amino acids.*
Brown Rice Protein is Hypoallergenic

Egg, milk, and soy-based protein have allergy causing tendencies. Fortunately, on the other hand, there are less or no allergic concerns when it comes to Brown Rice Protein. Anyone can consume and reap the benefits of this protein, since it suits almost anyone who consumes it. Another advantage that brown rice protein has over other proteins is that it is gluten free.[ii]
Brown Rice Protein Powder Does Not Contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a common food additive, often used as a flavor enhancer and a preservative. It is derived from glutamic acid, which is a non-essential amino acid. MSG is thought to be an excitotoxin, and people sensitive to MSG experience adverse effects on consumption in large amounts. However, research on the negative impacts of MSG still remains inconclusive. Because brown rice protein powder is manufactured in a way that only the starch is broken down, while the protein isn’t broken down into amino acids and glutamic acid, this protein does not contain MSG.[iii],[iv]

What are the Benefits of Brown Rice Protein?

Brown rice protein is a great vegan, plant-based source of protein for bodybuilders and athletes.
It contains a good amount of healthy fats that reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the body, and is also rich in protein and essential amino acids.[v]
Brown rice protein is hypoallergenic, and hence can be consumed by lactose intolerant people too. It doesn’t cause allergic reactions usually associated with milk and soy-based proteins such as stomach cramps, gas, bloating, rashes, nausea and vomiting.[vi]
It is easily digestible and creates a ‘thermic effect’ which helps in weight loss by speeding up metabolism and burning calories.[vii]

Is Brown Rice Protein Good for You?

Brown Rice Protein (sometimes with the help of pea protein) has the potential to offer athletes and fitness enthusiasts the whey-based results that they're looking for but without the grumbles and stomach troubles.

Brown rice protein is a superb plant source of amino acids (the building blocks of protein) that provides a good protein alternative for people who are lactose intolerant. Furthermore, it is hypoallergenic and can be easily digested.

Ready to Manufacture Your Own Brown Rice Protein Powder?

Well, the team at NutraScience Labs is ready to assist you! We have over 120 years of contract dietary supplement manufacturing experience and have helped thousands of brand owners create high-quality and delicious plant-based protein powders.

For more information on how to get started, call 855-492-7388 to speak to one of our production specialists or send us your request for a free manufacturing price quote.

If you're still not quite sure what type of product you want to manufacture, have no fear! I recently recorded a podcast (which you can watch below) with Ryan Gillen, one of our senior production specialists. In this video, we cover topics ranging from

Why consumers are choosing plant-based protein supplements over dairy-based protein supplements
Tips for properly flavoring a plant-protein supplement
What sources of plant protein you should include in your product
...and much more!

It's a terrific podcast that I'm sure you'll enjoy. Simply click the image below to watch it.