CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the available evidence at present, the ESPGHAN
Committee on Nutrition concludes as follows:
1. Inorganic arsenic intake during childhood is likely to affect
long-term health.
2. Rice, especially rice bran, contains high levels of inorganic
arsenic.
3. Although there are data on inorganic arsenic in infant foods and
rice drinks, there is a lack of published data on the amount in
rice protein–based infant formula.
Recommendations are as follows:
1. Inorganic arsenic intake in infancy and childhood should be as
low as possible.
2. The inorganic arsenic content of dietary products used by
infants and children needs to be regulated.
3. Although rice protein–based infant formulas are an option for
infants with cows’ milk protein allergy, the inorganic arsenic
content should be declared and the potential risks should be
considered when using these products.
4. Rice drinks should not be used in infants and young children.
5. Inorganic arsenic exposure from food can be reduced by
including a variety of grains such as oat, barley, wheat, maize,
and rice.
6. In areas of the world where rice consumption is high in all ages,
authorities should be prompted to declare which of the rice
cultivars have the lowest arsenic content and are, therefore, the
least harmful for use during infancy and childhood.
7. Globally, the arsenic content in rice should be monitored and
rice with the lowest content should be used for the preparation
of infant foods.