[Phytic acid: nutritional aspects and analytical implications]

This review provides a current summary of the literature concerning various aspects of phytic acid. These include data relative to its chemical structure and physicochemical properties, its occurrence in numerous cereals and legumes, and its role in plants. In addition, the nutritional significance of phytate with regard to its protein and mineral binding abilities, its health benefits and the methods commonly used for the analysis of phytate are discussed.