Phytic acid (or inositol hexaphosphate, often referred to as phytates) is a compound naturally present in many seeds, grains, legumes, wheat bran, and nuts. It constitutes the main form of phosphorus reserve in plants. However, due to its ability to chelate essential minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium), phytic acid is considered an antinutritional factor in human and animal diets.
In humans, excessive phytate intake can reduce the bioavailability of micronutrients, particularly in vegetarian or vegan diets. Conversely, some studies highlight its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its potential role in preventing certain chronic diseases.
Why measure phytic acid?
Phytic acid measurement is a critical parameter for many players in the food, nutraceutical, and phytotherapeutic industries. It allows, in particular, for:
- Evaluate the nutritional quality of a plant ingredient or finished product;
- To measure the impact of transformation processes (soaking, fermentation, germination, cooking) on phytate content;
- Formulating foods enriched or adapted to populations with specific nutritional needs (deficient individuals, children, athletes);
- To meet standardization requirements in food supplements or plant extracts;
- Evaluate the digestibility of raw materials in animal feed.
Phytic acid control is particularly recommended for companies developing products based on:
– Wholemeal flours and whole grains
– Seeds (flax, sunflower, chia)
– Vegetable proteins or isolates
– Nutritional supplements intended for vegetarian or vegan diets
Available analytical methods
YesWeLab offers several validated analytical approaches for the precise determination of phytic acid, depending on your objectives and the complexity of the matrices:
- HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography): reference method for the separation and fine quantification of phytates and their derivatives.
- Spectrophotometric method (Wade reagent): a fast and economical method, suitable for simple matrices.
- Enzymatic methods: used in bioavailability studies, particularly to measure phytase activity or in vitro degradation of phytates.
All these techniques are carried out in partner laboratories certified to ISO 17025, with methods rigorously validated according to industrial and regulatory requirements.
What matrices can be analyzed?
Phytic acid levels can be measured in numerous matrices derived from the agri-food industry, medicinal plants, or functional nutrition:
- Wholemeal flours (wheat, oats, rye, corn)
- Seeds and legumes (soybeans, chickpeas, lentils)
- Standardized plant extracts
- Dietary supplements (powders, capsules, tablets)
- Raw materials intended for animal feed
- Plant-based drinks (almond milk, soy milk)
- Breads, flatbreads, nutritional bars, fermented products
Further analyses recommended
For comprehensive nutritional control and optimized formulation of your plant-based products, you can combine this analysis with other services available in our catalog:
- Determination of minerals chelated by phytates (iron, zinc, calcium)
- Analysis of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber
- Total polyphenol and antioxidant levels
- Measurement of phytase enzyme activity
These analytical combinations allow for a better understanding of the effect of phytates on the bioavailability of nutrients in your formulations.
Why use YesWeLab?
- Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers in the functional nutrition, plant extract, food processing, and animal health sectors with their analytical needs. Thanks to our centralized digital platform and our network of over 200 partner laboratories, we guarantee:
- Customized analyses, according to your quality, regulatory and technical requirements;
- A rigorous selection of accredited laboratories (COFRAC, ISO 17025, GLP if necessary);
- Simplified management of requests, from quote to delivery of results;
- Personalized, responsive and precise scientific support.
Request your quote now
Do you want to analyze the phytic acid content in your raw materials or finished products?
Submit your request directly on our platform, or contact our team to be guided towards the best method and the appropriate laboratory.
