Rice Hull Fiber: Food Applications, Physiological Benefits, and Safety

Evidence from large, well-designed observational studies suggests that dietary fiber from cereals reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Cereal-based fibers are widely available in the food supply, and increased consumption could help Americans meet current public health recommendations for fiber intake. A new fiber ingredient developed from rice hulls is composed of >91% total dietary fiber (as-is basis), of which >97% is insoluble fiber. Rice hull and rice bran fibers share similar compositions and physicochemical properties. Most consist of cellulose, arabinoxylans, and lignins, and >90% are insoluble in water. Administration of rice hull fiber (3.75 or 5% in the diet) for 3 months significantly reduced fasting blood glucose concentrations by up to 22% and blood total cholesterol concentrations by up to 18% in male rats. Although these insoluble fibers are expected to have similar metabolic action in humans, human clinical studies are necessary to confirm t...