Knowra Phytic acid Phytic acid Phytic acid is a phosphorus-rich compound found in plants, where it stores phosphorus. Its deprotonated forms, called phytates, bind minerals and can reduce their absorption during digestion.
Inositol hexakisphosphate : A molecule consisting of an inositol ring esterified with six phosphate groups; it is the principal form of phytic acid in plants. This highly phosphorylated structure gives plant phytate its strong mineral-binding capacity.
Soaking (food preparation) : The practice of immersing foods in water before cooking or consumption. Soaking can reduce phytate in some foods, especially when conditions support phytase activity.
Phosphorus cycle : The movement of phosphorus through rocks, water, soil, organisms, and ecosystems. Plant phytate stores phosphorus that returns to biological and environmental cycles after decomposition.
Oxalate : A naturally occurring anion in foods that can bind minerals, especially calcium. Like phytate, oxalate can reduce mineral availability, but it has a different structure and food distribution.
Phytate : A deprotonated form of phytic acid, commonly present in plants and foods. At biological pH, phytic acid occurs largely as these charged forms.
Sourdough : A fermented dough leavened by naturally occurring yeasts and lactic acid bacteria. Sourdough fermentation can lower phytate in grain dough through microbial and grain phytases.
Seed : A plant reproductive structure containing an embryo, stored resources, and a protective covering. Seeds commonly store phosphorus in phytate for use during early growth.
Tannins : A diverse group of plant polyphenols that bind proteins and other molecules. Tannins can also inhibit non-heme iron absorption, through a mechanism distinct from phytate chelation.
Chelation : The binding of a metal ion by a molecule through multiple coordinating sites. Phytate binds minerals through its phosphate groups, forming metal–phytate complexes.
Germination : The process by which a seed begins to grow into a plant. As seeds germinate, phytase activity can mobilize stored phosphorus by breaking down phytate.
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