"Selenium-Enriched" Rice Also Contains Arsenic and Cadmium

Rice marketed as "selenium-enriched" sounds healthy. But a study of 54 commercial products found every sample also contained arsenic and cadmium. And only 46% actually met the selenium standard.

What the Study Found

A 2026 study in Scientific Reports tested selenium-enriched rice from 14 Chinese provinces. Average arsenic was 0.11 mg/kg and cadmium was 0.08 mg/kg. Both fell below national safety limits, but they were present in every sample.

Meanwhile, over half the products (53.7%) didn't even contain enough selenium to qualify as "selenium-enriched" under Chinese standards. And only 14.6% of the selenium present was bioavailable, meaning your body can barely absorb most of it.

Children Face the Highest Risk

Children had the highest daily intake of arsenic and cadmium per body weight and the lowest selenium intake. They get the worst of both worlds: more toxic metals and less of the beneficial mineral the product is supposed to provide.

The Rice Problem

Rice absorbs arsenic from soil and water more efficiently than almost any other crop. Paddy fields often contain cadmium from industrial contamination. When you buy specialty rice for its health benefits, you may also be getting a concentrated dose of toxins.

What to Do

Don't rely on rice for selenium. Brazil nuts, seafood, and eggs are better sources. Rinse rice thoroughly and cook in excess water to reduce arsenic. Vary your grains. Browse non-toxic kitchen alternatives for safer food preparation.

Also see glass food containers for safer alternatives.

Source: Xie Q, et al. (2026). Sci Rep.