phy·tic acid

(fī′tĭk)

An antioxidant compound, C₆H₁₈O₂₄P₆, found abundantly in seeds and the bran of grain, that is the principal storage form of phosphorus in plants. Phytic acid is a strong chelator of calcium, zinc, and other minerals, and diets based on foods high in phytic acid, such as unrefined flour, can cause mineral deficiencies unless it is broken down by the sprouting of the seeds or by fermentation. Also called inositol hexakisphosphate.

[phyt(in), salt of phytic acid (from German Phytin : phyto-, phyto- + -in, -in) + -ic.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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References in periodicals archive

Differences in phytase activity ad phytic acid content between cultivated and Tibetan annual wild barleys.

Knitz trypsin inhibitor and phytic acid levels in conventional and genetically modified soybean seeds from Londrina and Ponta Grossa, South Brazil/Teor de inibidor de tripsina kunitz e acido fitico em sojas convencionais e transgenicas de Londrina e Ponta Grossa do Sul do Brasil

Chaplin's explanation of soaking beans and grains to remove phytic acid is among the most cogent I've found.

Recipes for good health

Because two types of oxidations states, iron 2 and iron 3, are present in wine, the researchers looked at iron 2 and iron 3 chelators, including bipyridine, ferrozine, ethylenediaminetertraacetic acid (EDTA) and phytic acid. Both groups of chelators significantly inhibited the oxidation in the wine.

Chelators curb wine oxidation

The real story: Raw soybeans contain phytic acid, which can interfere with the body's ability to absorb minerals like iron and zinc.

Soy oh soy! It is really for you?

Most cereals and legumes are rich in protein and fat but they have antinutritional factors like phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate) which discourage their use in food.

Phytase production by Aspergillus niger CFR 335 and Aspergillus ficuum SGA 01 through submerged and solid-state fermentation

Frank, a chemist who has written for many years on the topic, covers sugar phosphates, phytic acid, lower myo-inositol phosphates, phospholipids, mono and di-nucleotides, and vitamins.

Chemistry of plant phosphorus compounds

Adding bran aACAo it may seem healthy to sprinkle extra bran flakes on your cereal, but bran contains phytic acid, which blocks the absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and vitamin B6.

Are You Taking Right Vitamins?

Zinc absorption is inhibited by phytic acid found in legumes, unrefined cereals, seeds and nuts.

Evaluation of vegetarian diet

The Z-Mass PM product contained roughly 4.0 mg of phytic acid. A dose of as little as 4.0 mg phytic acid is known to reduce zinc absorption by at least 20%.

The case of the negative research study: study design has serious implications for a product's standing in the marketplace