Phytase is an enzyme that has the ability to liberate the phosphate and mineral residues from phytic acid (phytate), a compound formed during the maturation process of plant seeds and grains that is commonly found in plant-based foods.
Contents
Benefits
1. Boosts Mineral Absorption and Bioavailability
Recent research shows that supplementing with phytase can significantly increase the body’s ability to absorb and assimilate vital minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron.
2. Reduction of Phytic Acid in the Body
Phytase helps reduce the negative effects of phytic acid in the body. Many of the plants that we eat such as corn, grains, seeds, legumes, soybeans and most cereals contain high amounts of this acid. Referred to as an “anti-nutritional factor,” these phytates (phytic acid) reduce our ability to absorb nutrients. Phytic acid has been shown to create insoluble complexes with these minerals through its negatively charged phytic acid. This acid has the ability to bind to positively charged molecules in these minerals, as well as in proteins.
3. Reduces Mineral Deficiency
Another study from the Centre for Molecular Biology, Federal Research Centre for Nutrition and Food in Germany found that phytase supplementation could create strong increases in mineral uptake and reduce phytate content in both cereals as well as for legume-derived food products. Moreover, the phytase from the fungus, Aspergillus, was found to have a broad pH range with at least 80% of the maximal activity at pH values, and optimal results for phytate hydrolysis. This study concluded that phytase supplementation, while typically and traditionally used for the enhanced mineral content in animal feed, had a promising and wide variety of applications for human digestion, particularly for human intestinal alkaline phosphatase. It may also be a way to reduce mineral deficiency in vulnerable groups such as childbearing women, vegans, vegetarians and people in the developing world.
4. Reduction in Toxic Build-up in the Digestive Tract
Because phytase can break down phytic acid, our digestive process is streamlined and we have less chance of building up excess insoluble complexes in the digestive tract.
5. Cleaves Bound Phosphorus in the Body
Phytase also breaks down bound forms of phosphorus, another way in which it helps us absorb this mineral, as well as iron.
6. Boosts Bone Health
Phytase may help prevent bone loss and reduce osteoporosis. As we all know, phosphorus is an essential element for the growth and protection of bone density. An animal trial done at Auburn University looked into the effects of the phytase enzyme on digestion. Phytase was found to not only increase the availability of phosphorous, but also lead to better body weight, digestive efficiency, and overall bone strength in lab animals. It was also found that Phytase could significantly increase performance in animals.
Cautions
Please consult your pharmacist.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
n/a
References
Source: GlobalHealingCenter, http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/phytase/