Vitamin Phytin?!

Although in the past concerns have been expressed regarding intake of foods high in phytates reducing the bioavailability of dietary minerals, recent studies demonstrate that this co-called “anti-nutrient” can be manifested only when large quantities of phytates are consumed in combination with a nutrient poor diet.

For example there used to be a concern that phytate consumption might lead to calcium deficiency, but in fact researchers discovered the opposite to be true, phytates protecting against osteoporosis. In essence, phytate has many characteristics of a vitamin, contrary to the established and, unfortunately, still existing dogma among nutritionists about its “anti-nutrient” role.

Given the numerous health benefits, its participation in important intracellular biochemical pathways, normal physiological presence in our cells, tissues, plasma, urine, etc., the levels of which fluctuate with intake, epidemiological correlates of phytate deficiency with disease and reversal of those conditions by adequate intake, and safety – all strongly suggest for phytates inclusion as an essential nutrient, perhaps a vitamin. Meanwhile, inclusion of phytates in our strategies for prevention and therapy of various ailments, cancer in particular is warranted. They’re talking about trying out supplements, but of course, eating a healthy diet rich in phytates would always be a prudent thing too.