Beneficial effects of rice endosperm protein intake in Japanese men with risk factors for metabolic syndrome: a randomized, crossover clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Rice protein is proved to have hypocholesterolemic and anti-atherosclerotic effects, and a few experimental studies showed its renoprotective effects, using animal diabetic models. However, no clinical studies have investigated its benefits for human health. We aimed to clarify how the intake of rice endosperm protein affects markers correlating to lipid dysfunction in human. Methods: We recruited 18 male volunteers, 26-64 years of age, with risk factors for metabolic syndrome and allocated randomly into two groups. Half of them were administered test food containing rice endosperm protein and other half were administered control food containing sodium caseinate for 4 weeks. The dose of supplemental protein was 10 g/day. After medical examinations, the study foods were switched and the intervention was continued for another 4 weeks. Lipid metabolism markers were evaluated as primary outcome measures. Cross-over analysis was performed for 18 subjects using physical and clinical values measured before and after each intervention period.

Rice Endosperm Protein Administration to Juvenile Mice Regulates Gut Microbiota and Suppresses the Development of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Related Disorders in Adulthood

“…Further studies using different animal models may be needed to verify our findings. However, instead of conducting further animal research, it would be preferable to start human trials with REP. REP has been administered safely to human patients undergoing dialysis [53], and it has also shown beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome in adults [54]. Therefore, we suggest that the intake of REP or rice-based diets in childhood may prevent obesity and related disorders in adult humans.…”

Health Benefits of Cereal Grain- and Pulse-Derived Proteins

“…Additionally, a single clinical trial reported that the administration of a daily dose of 10 g of rice endosperm protein for four weeks was able to increase HDL-C levels and reduce serum uric acid levels in adult male subjects with metabolic syndrome risk factors. However, no changes in TGs or LDL-C were observed [132]. Additional clinical trials are needed to evaluate the antioxidative and hypocholesterolemic effects of rice protein.…”

The Effect of the Rice Endosperm Protein Hydrolysate on the Subjective Negative Mood Status in Healthy Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

“…REP accounting for approximately 5% of rice endosperm is not only nutritionally important but also shows various physiological functions such as anti-hyperglycemia, antihyperuricemia, and anti-obesity when orally administrated [7][8][9]. Recently, there have been various peptides derived from food protein resources reported to exhibit physiological functions [10,11].…”