Determination of phytic acid in cereals - a brief review

P>Phytic acid is the major storage form for phosphorus in the cereal grains. It exists in the form of mixed salts of Ca-Mg-K (i.e. phytate), and occurs in many locations within the kernel. This form of phosphorus is not available to monogastric animals, including humans, because they lack the enzyme phytase in their digestive tract. In order to permit a better understanding of the functions and heritability of phytic acid, a literature search was conducted to review the development of procedures for the determination of phytic acid. Starting from a basic method of precipitation as insoluble ferric phytate in acid solution, the techniques for the determination of phytic acid have progressed through many kinds of instrumental methods such as colorimetric, synchronous fluorescence, isotachophoresis, high-performance ionic chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography.