phytase

Phytase is an **enzyme** (specifically, a phosphatase) that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate), liberating inorganic phosphate and lower inositol phosphates. Phytase is found in bacteria, fungi, plants, and certain animal tissues, but is especially prominent in microorganisms. Its primary mechanism is the breakdown of phytic acid, which is an anti-nutritional factor in plant-based diets due to its strong binding to essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc, making them unavailable for absorption. By degrading phytic acid, phytase increases the bioavailability of these nutrients. The enzyme is widely used as a feed additive in monogastric animal nutrition (such as poultry and swine) and as an industrial processing aid in food and agriculture. Phytase supplementation reduces phosphorus pollution from animal waste and can improve nutrient absorption and growth in animals. In the food industry, it is also employed to diminish phytic acid content in plant-based foods, thus enhancing human nutrition[2][3][4][5][6][1].

Other names

phytase enzyme