Dosage of anti-nutritional factors FANs

Antinutritional factors (ANFs) encompass a group of compounds naturally present in many plant matrices that can interfere with the digestion, absorption, or biological utilization of essential nutrients. Among the most commonly studied ANFs are phytates, tannins, oxalates, lectins, protease inhibitors, and certain specific phenolic compounds. While these substances can sometimes exhibit beneficial biological effects at low doses, their excessive presence can reduce the bioavailability of minerals, proteins, or vitamins. ANF quantification is therefore a key analytical tool for the food, nutraceutical, animal nutrition, and plant nutrition industries.

Nutritional and industrial interest of FAN assays

The measurement of antinutritional factors addresses several major challenges. In human nutrition, it allows for the assessment of the nutritional quality of plant-based raw materials, functional ingredients, and processed products. High levels of phytates or oxalates, for example, can limit the absorption of iron, zinc, or calcium, which is particularly critical for at-risk populations.
In the animal nutrition sector, antinutritional factors (ANFs) directly influence feed digestibility, zootechnical performance, and animal health. Their quantification allows for the optimization of compound feed formulations and justifies the use of technological treatments (soaking, fermentation, extrusion) or exogenous enzymes (phytases).
In nutraceuticals and the plant sector, the measurement of ANFs is part of a process of standardization, quality control, and enhancement of plant extracts, balancing nutritional richness with safe use.

Analytical principles and methods used

The quantification of antinutritional factors (ANFs) can be performed using various analytical techniques, chosen according to the nature of the target compound, the matrix, and the required precision.
chromatography (HPLC or LC-MS) is used for the separation and specific quantification of many ANFs, including phytates, oxalates, and complex phenolic compounds. Combining this technique with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) allows for excellent sensitivity and reliable identification in complex matrices.
UV-Visible spectrophotometry is frequently used for overall or semi-quantitative assays, such as total tannins or certain enzyme inhibitors, using specific colorimetric reactions.
Enzymatic methods can also be implemented for targeted ANFs, offering a functional and reproducible approach, particularly for routine controls. The choice of method is tailored to the analytical objectives: quality control, process comparison, nutritional studies, or R&D.

Applications in human nutrition

In human nutrition, the measurement of anabolic-androgenic starches (AAS) is used to characterize cereals, legumes, seeds, flours, processed plant products, and functional foods. It allows for the comparison of different plant varieties, the evaluation of the impact of technological processes (cooking, fermentation, germination), and supports nutritional improvement initiatives. Analytical results can be incorporated into technical reports, nutritional studies, or reformulation strategies aimed at improving nutrient bioavailability.

Applications in animal nutrition

In animal nutrition, quantifying anabolic-androgenic fats (ADFs) is essential for formulating balanced and effective rations. Phytates, tannins, and enzyme inhibitors can limit feed efficiency and increase environmental emissions. Measuring ADFs allows for formula adjustments, justifies the addition of digestive enzymes, and controls the quality of plant-based raw materials used in feed for livestock and companion animals.

Analyzed matrices

Antinutritional factor analyses are applicable to a wide variety of matrices: seeds, cereals, legumes, flours, plant extracts, functional ingredients, food supplements, compound feeds for humans or animals, fermented or processed products. Analytical protocols are adapted to the complexity of each matrix to ensure reliable results.

Added value YesWeLab

YesWeLab relies on a network of laboratories specializing in nutritional and physicochemical analyses, with recognized expertise in the quantification of complex plant compounds. The majority of our partners are ISO 17025 and COFRAC certified or accredited, guaranteeing the quality and traceability of results. Our scientific team assists you in selecting the FANs to analyze, choosing the most appropriate methods, and interpreting the nutritional data. Since 2020, manufacturers, formulators, and distributors have entrusted us with the management of their analyses via our digital platform, ensuring centralized, rigorous, and responsive monitoring.

Related analyses in the YesWeLab catalog

To complete the assessment of anti-nutritional factors, the following analyses are frequently combined:

• Analysis of dietary fiber
• Protein and amino acid dosage
• Analysis of total polyphenols
• Measurement of digestive enzymes (phytases)
• in vitro digestibility studies