phytic acid

Phytic acid is a naturally occurring compound found primarily in plant seeds, grains, legumes, and nuts. Chemically known as myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6 or InsP6), it serves as the principal storage form of phosphorus in many plant tissues[4][5]. At physiological pH, it exists mainly as the phytate anion. Phytic acid is notable for its strong chelating properties; it binds essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc and can inhibit their absorption in the small intestine[3][4][5]. This has led to its classification as an "antinutrient," though real-world evidence suggests that mineral deficiencies due to dietary phytic acid are rare with balanced diets[3][5]. Beyond its antinutritional effects, phytic acid exhibits several bioactive properties including antioxidant activity and potential roles in disease prevention. It has been investigated for use as an iron chelator and antineoplastic agent (anti-cancer), with additional research suggesting benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects and inhibition of pathological calcification (e.g., vascular calcification)[1][2][5]. Phytic acid is under clinical investigation for preventing progression of cardiovascular calcifications[2].

Other names

inositol hexaphosphateinositol hexakisphosphatephytatemyo-inositol hexakisphosphate