Abstract
We previously reported that the phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents of rice can be effectively decreased by washing it 5 times (20 sec with swirling/wash), with a change of water between each wash. In this study, we evaluated the clinical effectiveness of this procedure. Seven hyperphosphatemic dialysis patients (pre-instruction serum P levels ≥5.0 mg/dL) who consumed white rice twice or three times a day at home were instructed to wash their rice 5 times and followed for 18 weeks to evaluate changes in their blood test results (BUN, P, K, Alb, and Hb) before and after the instructions. No significant changes were observed in BUN, K, Alb, or Hb levels, while P levels tended to decrease over time, with a significant decrease from the pre-instruction values being noted at 10, 14, and 16 weeks of follow-up (p<0.05). The lack of marked changes in the Alb and Hb levels suggested that the rice-washing procedure had no negative effects on the nutritional status. This simple dietary modification can be continued for a prolonged period and may have the potential to reduce serum P levels.
