Phytic acid

Phytic acid (known as inositolhexaphosphate, or phytate when its saltform) is the principal storage form of phosphorusin many plant tissues, especially seeds. Phosphorusin this form is generally not bioavailableto non-ruminantanimals because they lack the digestive enzyme, phytase, required to separate phosphorus from the phytate molecule. On the other hand, ruminants readily utilize phytate because of the phytase produced by rumenmicroorganisms.

In modern agriculture, non-ruminant livestocksuch as swineand poultryare fed mainly grainssuch as soybeansand maize. Because phytate from these grains is unavailable for absorption, the unabsorbed phytate passes through the gastrointestinal tract, elevating the amount of phosphorus in the manure. Excess phosphorus excretion can lead to environmental problems such as eutrophication.

The bioavailability of phytate phosphorus can be increased by supplementation of the dietwith phytaseenzyme. Also, viable low phytic acid mutant lines have been developed in several crop species in which the seeds have drastically reduced levels of phytic acid and concomitant increases in inorganic phosphorus. However, reported germination problems have hindered the use of these cultivars thus far.

Phytic acid is a strong chelatorof important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, ironand zincand can therefore contribute to mineral deficiencies in developing countries[1]. Phytic acid's same mineral binding properties may also prevent colon cancerby reducing oxidative damagein the intestinal lumen.

As a food additive, phytic acid is used as a preservativewith E numberE391.

Researchers now believe that IP6, found in the fiberof legumesand grains, is the major ingrediant responsible for preventing colon cancer and other cancers. Food must be well cooked in order to free IP6 from the fiber and enable it to be absorbed in the system. IP6 rarely appears in soluble fiber. It's usually attached to the bran, the hard (insoluble) fiber, which is difficult to digest. IP6 is found in legumes, peas, wheat, barley, and oats.

External link

• Cancer Inhibition by Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6) and Inositol: From Laboratory to Clinic (scientific publication}fr:Acide phytiqueja:?????

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytic+acid Wikipedia article Phytic acid.