Phytic Acid and Phytase Enzyme

In recent decades dietary phytate has received great attention as an antinutrient factor for both human and animal nutrition. To improve the bioavailability of phosphorus, minerals, and dietary components, as well as improving the nutritional value of plant-based meals, many nutritional studies in recent years have aimed at establishing ways to remove phytate. Existing reports suggests that hydrolysis of phytate enzymatically with phytase can remove a maximum amount of phytic acid without reducing mineral content of grains. Therefore, application of exogenous phytase is the most beneficial method for reducing phytic acid content in grains. Some novel health effects of phytate have been recognized such as protection against a variety of cancers and heart-related diseases, diabetes mellitus, and renal stones. The dose of dietary phytase eliciting beneficial clinical effects needs to be determined.