Overestimation of phytic acid in foods by the AOAC anion-exchange method

The currently used AOAC method may overestimate the phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate) content of processed foods. These foods generally contain the lower phosphates (inositol penta-, tetra-, and triphosphate) in addition to phytic acid. These lower phosphates are included in the calculation of phytic acid determined by the AOAC anion-exchange method. The HPLC method quantitates phytic acid and the other inositol phosphates as separate entities. Research has indicated that phytic acid, and to a lesser degree other inositol phosphates, may reduce mineral bioavailability of foods