Oryzatein(Tm) Whole Grain Brown Rice Protein Concentrate
Also known as: Oryzatein™, whole grain brown rice protein concentrate, brown rice protein concentrate, Oryzatein-80™, brown rice protein isolate, Oryzatein-90™, Oryza sativa protein
Overview
Oryzatein™ is a branded form of protein concentrate (80% protein) and isolate (90% protein) derived from organic whole-grain brown rice (*Oryza sativa*). It is produced using a clean, hexane-free process, ensuring a high-quality, plant-based protein source. Primarily utilized as a dietary supplement, Oryzatein™ supports muscle recovery, exercise nutrition, and general protein fortification in various food products. Its amino acid profile is notable, containing approximately 78% total amino acids by weight, with 36% essential amino acids and 18% branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). While comparable to soy protein isolate in its amino acid composition, it has a lower overall essential and BCAA content than whey protein isolate. Research on Oryzatein™ is moderate, with well-characterized amino acid composition and some clinical studies on exercise recovery and leucine uptake, though large-scale randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses specifically on this branded ingredient are limited.
Benefits
Oryzatein™ offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily supporting muscle protein synthesis due to its essential amino acid and BCAA content, particularly leucine. Clinical trials indicate that Oryzatein™ rice protein supports exercise recovery comparably to whey protein, with no significant difference in perceived soreness or readiness to train 48 hours post-exercise. This suggests similar efficacy for muscle repair and growth. A notable advantage is that leucine uptake from Oryzatein™ occurs approximately 18 minutes faster than from whey protein, potentially enhancing the anabolic signaling window post-exercise. This rapid absorption could be particularly beneficial for athletes seeking quick post-workout recovery. While direct evidence is limited, there are potential secondary benefits for healthy aging and muscle maintenance. Oryzatein™ is especially beneficial for athletes and individuals seeking plant-based protein alternatives, including those with allergies or intolerances to dairy or soy, offering a viable and effective option.
How it works
Oryzatein™ functions by providing a rich source of essential amino acids, particularly leucine, which are crucial for stimulating muscle protein synthesis. Upon digestion, these amino acids are absorbed and become systemically available, activating the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. The mTOR pathway is a key regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and protein synthesis, making its activation essential for muscle repair and growth. The rapid absorption of leucine from Oryzatein™, which peaks approximately 18 minutes faster than from whey protein, suggests an efficient and quick delivery of anabolic signals to muscle cells, facilitating prompt post-exercise recovery and muscle adaptation.
Side effects
Oryzatein™ is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, and its processing without hexane or other petroleum solvents minimizes concerns regarding chemical residues. Clinical studies have not reported any common (greater than 5%) or uncommon (1-5%) side effects. There is no data available on rare side effects (less than 1%). No significant drug interactions have been identified. Oryzatein™ is free from major allergens such as dairy, soy, and gluten, making it a suitable option for individuals with common food allergies or intolerances. It is also safe for vegans and vegetarians. No specific contraindications have been established, indicating its broad applicability across various populations. Overall, Oryzatein™ has a favorable safety profile with a low risk of adverse effects.
Dosage
While a minimum effective dose for Oryzatein™ has not been specifically established, general protein supplementation guidelines suggest approximately 20-25 grams per serving for muscle protein synthesis. Optimal dosage ranges are likely similar to other protein supplements, typically between 20-40 grams per serving, depending on individual protein needs, activity level, and body weight. There is no specific upper limit established for Oryzatein™, and typical protein intake recommendations apply. For maximizing muscle recovery benefits, post-exercise ingestion is recommended due to its rapid leucine uptake, which supports an early anabolic window. Oryzatein™ is available as a concentrate (Oryzatein-80™) and an isolate (Oryzatein-90™), with the isolate offering a higher protein content and lower carbohydrate/fat. Its faster leucine uptake compared to whey suggests good bioavailability, and no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Oryzatein as effective as whey protein?
Clinical evidence indicates comparable exercise recovery effects and faster leucine uptake, suggesting similar efficacy for muscle protein synthesis, making it a viable alternative.
Is it safe for people with allergies?
Yes, Oryzatein is free from major allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten, making it a safe option for individuals with common food sensitivities.
When should it be taken?
Ideally, it should be consumed post-workout to leverage its rapid leucine absorption and maximize muscle recovery benefits.
How quickly does it work?
Leucine peaks in the blood approximately 18 minutes faster than with whey protein, indicating a rapid onset of anabolic signaling for muscle repair.
Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes, Oryzatein is a plant-based protein derived from brown rice and is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5302255/ – This analytical study characterized the amino acid composition of Oryzatein-80 and -90, finding they contain approximately 78% amino acids by weight, with 36% essential amino acids and 18% BCAAs. The profile was similar to soy isolate but lower than whey isolate, providing foundational compositional data.
- https://www.science.gov/topicpages/r/rice+concentrate+protein.html – This source provides general information on rice concentrate protein, supporting the classification and understanding of Oryzatein as a form of brown rice protein. It highlights the scientific context of such protein sources.
- https://www.newhope.com/vitamins-and-supplements/oryzatein-becomes-first-rice-protein-approved-gras – This source confirms that Oryzatein has been granted GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the FDA. This regulatory approval signifies that the ingredient is considered safe for consumption under its intended use, adding credibility to its safety profile.
- https://axiomfoods.com/oryzatein-patented-claims/ – This source from the manufacturer highlights patented claims for Oryzatein, including clinical trial findings that suggest comparable exercise recovery effects to whey protein and faster leucine uptake. While specific study details are limited, it indicates the basis for efficacy claims.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Amino-Acid-Composition-of-an-Organic-Brown-Rice-and-Kalman/96d81ed6d2de789a66fe81672f557cbfba37546c – This paper, likely the full version of the Kalman et al. 2014 study, provides detailed analytical data on the amino acid composition of organic brown rice protein. It confirms the high quality of the lab analysis and the comprehensive characterization of Oryzatein's nutritional profile.
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