Phytates

Other Names : Acide Phytique, Calcium Magnesium Inositol Hexaphosphate, Calcium Phytate, Fytic Acid, Hexaphosphate d’Inositol, Hexaphosphate d’Inositol de Calcium Magnésium, Inositol Hexaphosphate, Phytate, Phytate de Calcium, Phytic Acid, IP-6
See also : Inositol
IP-6, inositol hexaphosphate, is a vitamin-like substance. It is found in animals and many plants, especially cereals, nuts, and legumes. It can also be made in a laboratory.

Special Precautions of Phytates

• Clotting disorders: Test tube studies suggest that IP-6 can slow blood clotting. Although this effect has not been shown in humans, experts recommend that people with clotting disorders avoid using IP-6.
• Iron-deficiency anemia: IP-6 binds with iron in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This reduces the amount of iron that the body absorbs from food and supplements.
• Children and Lactating Mothers : Suboptimal levels of iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia. The mineral zinc is needed for wound healing, immunity and is needed for proper growth and development. Children with low zinc or iron are at risk for growth retardation due to the higher demands during growth. Zinc and iron requirements increase during lactation. The most common cause of anemia during pregnancy and lactation is iron deficiency.
• Low vitamin D levels and dietary calcium are linked to high phytate consumption. Phytate can bind to these vitamins and minerals, and decrease the availability of them in the body, also referred to as bioavailability.
• Weak bones (osteoporosis or osteopenia): IP-6 binds with calcium in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This reduces the amount of calcium that the body absorbs from food and supplements. Reduced calcium can affect bone strength.
• Micronutrient Malnutriton : In certain parts of the world, micronutrient malnutrition as a consequence of high phytate is a public health problem.
• Surgery: Since test tube research suggests that IP-6 might slow blood clotting, there is a concern that it might increase the risk of extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using IP-6 at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
• Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with IP-6

Benefits and uses of Phytates are

• Preventing kidney stones : IP6 appears to help prevent crystallization of calcium salts. However, this effect occurs mainly when you consume IP6 through legumes, wheat and rice bran. However, IP6 does not help prevent crystallization of calcium salts when consumed through soybeans.
• Treating and preventing cancer : including prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and blood cancers. Phytates have been shown to inhibit the growth of human leukemia cells, colon cancer cells, both estrogen receptor-positive and negative breast cancer cells, voicebox cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, liver tumors, pancreatic, melanoma, and muscle cancers. All at the same time not affecting normal cells. That’s the most important expectation of a good anticancer agent: the ability to only affect cancerous cells and to leave normal cells alone.
• Preventing heart attacks.
• supports your body's immune system and kidney function.
• aids in the metabolism of insulin and calcium; promotes hair growth, bone marrow cell metabolism and eye membrane development; and helps your liver transfer fat to other parts of your body.

Food Sources

IP6 is a major phosphorus storage compound in plants and accounts for 1 to 7 percent of the weight of most cereals, nuts and legumes, according to "Integrative Medicine." You can also find IP6 in processed soy, beans, brown rice, corn, sesame seeds, wheat bran and other high-fiber foods.

Food sources of Phytic Acid

Food	[% minimum dry]	[% maximum dry]
Linseed	2.15	2.78
Sesame Seeds flour	5.36	5.36
Almonds	1.35	3.22
Brazil nuts	1.97	6.34
Coconut	0.36	0.36
Hazelnuts	0.65	0.65
Peanuts	0.95	1.76
Walnut	0.98	0.98
Maize (Corn)	0.75	2.22
Oats	0.42	1.16
Oatmeal	0.89	2.40
Brown rice	0.84	0.99
Polished rice	0.14	0.60
Wheat	0.39	1.35
Wheat flour	0.25	1.37
Wheat germ	0.08	1.14
Whole wheat bread	0.43	1.05
Beans, pinto	2.38	2.38
Chickpeas	0.56	0.56
Lentils	0.44	0.50
Soybean	1.00	2.22
Tofu	1.46	2.90
Soy beverage	1.24	1.24
Soy protein concentrate	1.24	2.17
New potato	0.18	0.34
Spinach	0.22	NR

Food sources of Phytic Acid (fresh weight)

Food	[% minimum fresh weight]	[% maximum fresh weight]
Taro	0.143	0.195
Cassava	0.114	0.152

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