Distribution of nutrient and toxic elements in brown and polished rice

•ICP-MS was used to determine the elemental content in brown and white rice.•The polishing of rice affects the levels of minor and trace elements.•LA-ICP-MS characterized elemental distribution in brown and white rice.•Highest concentrations of P, K, Mn, and Fe are found in the in the bran layer.•S, Cu, Zn and As are distributed more evenly throughout the rice grain.