Explain Chemistry and Occurrence of phytates?
Most plant foodstuffs contain inositol which is present in the form of inyo-inositol hexakisphosphate i.e. phytic acid and its salts. In seeds, inositol is the storage form of phosphate and 60-90% of phosphate is present as phytate. Phytic acid (PA) is generally complexed with minerals and/or proteins. The complexed fonn with minerals is known as 'Phytate'. Various cations can strongly chelate between two phosphate groups or weakly within a phosphate. Our subsequent discussions will elucidate the interaction of phytates with nutrients, as well as, their health benefits.