Phytic acid (or inositol hexaphosphate, often referred to as phytate) is a compound naturally occurring in many seeds, grains, legumes, wheat bran, and nuts. It is the primary form of phosphorus storage 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 micronutrient bioavailability, particularly in vegetarian or vegan diets. Conversely, some studies highlight its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and 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 is used to:
- Evaluate the nutritional quality of a plant ingredient or finished product;
- Measure the impact of processing methods (soaking, fermentation, germination, cooking) on phytate content;
- Formulate foods enriched or adapted to populations with specific nutritional needs (people with deficiencies, children, athletes);
- Meet standardization requirements in food supplements or plant extracts;
- Assess 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): rapid 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 ISO 17025 certified partner laboratories, with methods rigorously validated according to industrial and regulatory requirements.
What matrices can be analyzed?
The dosage of phytic acid can be carried out in numerous matrices from the food industry, medicinal plants or functional nutrition:
- Wholemeal flours (wheat, oats, rye, corn)
- Seeds and legumes (soybeans, chickpeas, lentils)
- Standardized plant extracts
- Food supplements (powders, capsules, tablets)
- Raw materials for animal feed
- Plant-based drinks (almond milk, soy milk)
- Breads, pancakes, nutritional bars, fermented products
Further analyses recommended
For overall nutritional control and optimized formulation of your plant products, you can combine this analysis with other services available in our catalog:
- Dosage of minerals chelated by phytates (iron, zinc, calcium)
- Analysis of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber
- Determination of total polyphenols and antioxidants
- Measurement of phytase enzyme activity
These analytical combinations allow you to better understand the effect of phytates on the bioavailability of nutrients in your formulations.
Why use YesWeLab?
- Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers in functional nutrition, plant extracts, agri-food, and animal health with their analytical needs. Thanks to our centralized digital platform and our network of more than 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 quotes to results;
- Personalized, responsive and precise scientific support.
Request your quote now
Would you like to analyze the phytic acid content of your raw materials or finished products?
Submit your request directly on our platform, or contact our team to be directed to the best method and the appropriate laboratory.
