Interactions and Biological Effects of Phytic Acid

Phytic acid is a compound found in cereal grains, legumes, nuts and oilseeds. It is considered to be an antinutrient due to its ability to bind minerals, proteins and starch at physiological pH. However, recent evidence indicates that phytic acid has healthful effects. Reductions in glycemic response to starchy foods as well as lower plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels have been observed with endogenous phytate consumed in foods or with the addition of purified sodium phytate. In addition, phytic acid has anticancer effects in the colon and mammary gland in rodent models and in various tumor cell lines in vitro. In view of these beneficial effects, the term "antinutrient" used to describe food constituents like PA needs to be reevaluated.