Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

A Generalized Method for Determining Free Soluble Phenolic Acid Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Cereals and Legumes
Published on: June 10, 2022
Phytate in foods and significance for humans: food sources, intake, processing, bioavailability, protective role and
Ulrich Schlemmer1, Wenche Frølich, Rafel M Prieto
1Department of Physiology and Biochemistry of Nutrition, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Instituteof Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany. ulrich.schlemmer@mri.bund.de
Abstract:
The article gives an overview of phytic acid in food and of its significance for human nutrition. It summarises phytate sources in foods and discusses problems of phytic acid/phytate contents of food tables. Data on phytic acid intake are evaluated and daily phytic acid intake depending on food habits is assessed. Degradation of phytate during gastro-intestinal passage is summarised, the mechanism of phytate interacting with minerals and trace elements in the gastro-intestinal chyme described and the pathway of inositol phosphate hydrolysis in the gut presented. The present knowledge of phytate absorption is summarised and discussed. Effects of phytate on mineral and trace element bioavailability are reported and phytate degradation during processing and storage is described. Beneficial activities of dietary phytate such as its effects on calcification and kidney stone formation and on lowering blood glucose and lipids are reported. The antioxidative property of phytic acid and its potentional anticancerogenic activities are briefly surveyed. Development of the analysis of phytic acid and other inositol phosphates is described, problems of inositol phosphate determination and detection discussed and the need for standardisation of phytic acid analysis in foods argued.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Bioavailability: Overview
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Carbohydrates: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Introduction to Electrolytes
Role of Sodium
One...
Bioavailability: Influencing Factors
Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores

