Inositol hexaphosphate, present in cereals, particularly in the bran, in dried legumes and some nuts as both water- soluble salts (sodium and potassium) and insoluble salts of calcium and magnesium. Contributes significantly to the daily intake of phosphorus but is also a major inhibitor of the absorption of iron and zinc.
Chelating agent used for the removal of tracers of metal ions. It is of nutritional interest because it interferes with the absorption of minerals from the intestinal tract, especially calcium and iron.
A phosphorus containing organic acid. Phytin is the mixture salt of with calcium and magnesium.
A component of plants that can bind divalent ions. Phytate is a form of inositol that is phosphorylated in all six positions of the carbons; when calcium and magnesium are bound, it becomes an insoluble salt called phytin.
Most cereals harbor an anti-nutrient, which obstructs the human body from fully absorbing vital nutrients.