Brown Rice versus White Rice: Study Shows Brown Rice Found to Contain Higher Arsenic Than White Rice - Video

A new study from Michigan State University has sparked important conversations around food safety and nutrition, revealing that brown rice-often praised for its health benefits-contains higher levels of arsenic than white rice, raising potential health concerns, particularly for young children. Findings are published in the journal Risk Analysis. The study compared arsenic exposure from brown and white rice among American populations. It found that brown rice contains more total and inorganic arsenic, a toxic substance linked to long-term health risks when consumed in high quantities over time.

Brown rice is widely seen as a healthier alternative to white rice due to its higher fiber, protein, and nutrient content. However, it also retains the outer layers of the grain, where arsenic accumulates most. Researchers found that brown rice had 48% inorganic arsenic, compared to 33% in white rice for U.S.-grown rice. Globally, the figures rose to 65% for brown rice and 53% for white rice.

The study highlights that rice absorbs up to 10 times more arsenic than other cereal grains because it is often cultivated in flooded paddies, which increase arsenic uptake from the soil.

While the general American population is not at major risk, the study found that infants and children under 5 could face health risks from brown rice consumption due to their smaller body weights and higher relative food intake. Other vulnerable groups include Asian immigrant populations and those experiencing food insecurity who may rely more heavily on rice-based diets.

“This research is important because it acknowledges the importance of considering food safety along with nutrition when consumers make choices about food,” said senior investigator Dr. Felicia Wu, a professor at MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Wu and lead author Dr. Christian Scott emphasized that while brown rice carries higher arsenic levels, it still provides key nutrients that white rice lacks. They call for more research to evaluate whether the nutritional benefits of brown rice may offset the arsenic exposure.

“This exposure assessment is only one side of the equation,” said Wu. “We’re not saying brown rice is unhealthy—just that consumers should be informed.”

Reference: Scott, C. K., & Wu, F. (2025). Arsenic content and exposure in brown rice compared to white rice in the United States. Risk Analysis, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.70008