Hypolipidemic action of phytic acid (IP6): prevention of fatty liver.
Anticancer Research. 1999 September-October;19(5A):3695-8
Most studies about phytic acid are focused on its anti-nutritional properties, such as mineral binding. Phytic acid is also known to help catalyze the break down of fat during metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phytic acid on excessive liver lipids. Rats were fed with diets rich in sucrose or starch and supplemented with myo-inositol or phytic acid. The researchers found that both myo-inositol and phytic acid inhibited the increase of lipids in the liver cells. The study concluded that myo-inositol and phytic acid might protect against fatty liver.
Suppression of colonic cancer by dietary phytic acid.
Nutrition and cancer. 1993;19(1):11-9
In this article the flavour producer Tastemaker (this company no longer exists) suggests that the health benefits of fiber maybe be attributed to phytic acid. Epidemiological studies have shown that the consumption of food fibers is linked to lower frequency of colon cancer. However there is also strong evidence that this protective effect may be caused by phytic acid, which is present in high amounts in high fiber products such cereal grains, nuts and seeds. Phytic acid forms complexes with metals, such as iron, which cause oxidative damage.
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