Phytase
OTHER NAME(S): 3-Phytase, 6-Phytase, Aspergillus Niger Phytase, Bacterial Phytases, Beta-Propeller Phytase, Escherichia Coli Phytase, Fungal Phytases, Histidine Acid Phosphatase, Multiple Inositol Polyphosphate Phosphatase, Myoinositol-Hexakisphosphate Phosphohydrolase, Protein Tyrosine Phytase, Purple Acid Phytase, Phytase, Fitasa
Overview
Phytase is a chemical found in our digestive system. It is also found in plant food and in bacteria and yeast cells. In our food and during digestion, phytase breaks down a chemical called phytic acid. Phytase is sometimes used as medicine.
Phytase is used to increase the absorption of minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc. It might help to prevent or treat deficiencies in these minerals, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Phytase is a natural chemical found in animals, plants, and microbes like bacteria. It helps to break down another chemical called phytic acid. Phytic acid can bind to important minerals like iron and zinc. Breaking down phytic acid helps to release iron and zinc so that the body can absorb them better.
Phytase is a natural chemical found in animals, plants, and microbes like bacteria. It helps to break down another chemical called phytic acid. Phytic acid can bind to important minerals like iron and zinc. Breaking down phytic acid helps to release iron and zinc so that the body can absorb them better.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Low levels of healthy red blood cells (anemia) due to iron deficiency. Early research shows that taking phytase with a meal containing iron increases the absorption of iron from the meal. But it isn't clear if taking phytase can help to prevent or treat iron deficiency.
- Zinc deficiency. Early research shows that taking phytase with a meal containing zinc increases the absorption of zinc from the meal. But it isn't clear if taking phytase can help to prevent or treat zinc deficiency.
- Aging skin.
- Tics or twitching of the eyelids (blepharospasm).
- Child growth.
- Infant development.
More evidence is needed to rate phytase for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Phytase is LIKELY SAFE when eaten in foods. Cereal grains, legumes, and other foods contain phytase. There isn't enough reliable information to know if phytase is safe to use as a supplement or medicine, or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Phytase is LIKELY SAFE when eaten in foods. Cereal grains, legumes, and other foods contain phytase. There isn't enough reliable information to know if phytase is safe to use as a supplement or medicine, or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if phytase is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Phytase overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of phytase depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for phytase. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Lei XG, Weaver JD, Mullaney E, Ullah AH, Azain MJ. Phytase, a new life for an "old" enzyme. Annu Rev Anim Biosci. 2013;1:283-309.
- Smuts CM, Matsungo TM, Malan L, et al. Effect of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on growth, psychomotor development, iron status, and morbidity among 6- to 12-mo-old infants in South Africa: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2019;109(1):55-68.
- Monnard A, Moretti D, Zeder C, Steingötter A, Zimmermann MB. The effect of lipids, a lipid-rich ready-to-use therapeutic food, or a phytase on iron absorption from maize-based meals fortified with micronutrient powders. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105(6):1521-1527.
- Koréissi-Dembélé Y, Fanou-Fogny N, Moretti D, et al. Dephytinisation with intrinsic wheat phytase and iron fortification significantly increase iron absorption from fonio (Digitaria exilis) meals in West African women. PLoS One. 2013;8(10):e70613.
- Sandberg AS, Hulthén LR, Türk M. Dietary Aspergillus niger phytase increases iron absorption in humans. J Nutr. 1996;126(2):476-80.
- Iqbal TH, Lewis KO, Cooper BT. Phytase activity in the human and rat small intestine. Gut. 1994;35(9):1233-6.
- van Heemst RC, Sander I, Rooyackers J, et al. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by occupational exposure to phytase. Eur Respir J. 2009;33(6):1507-9.
- Baur X, Melching-Kollmuss S, Koops F, Strassburger K, Zober A. IgE-mediated allergy to phytase -- a new animal feed additive. Allergy. 2002;57(10):943-5.
- Doekes G, Kamminga N, Helwegen L, Heederik D. Occupational IgE sensitisation to phytase, a phosphatase derived from Aspergillus niger. Occup Environ Med. 1999;56(7):454-9.
- Brnic M, Hurrell RF, Songré-Ouattara LT, et al. Effect of phytase on zinc absorption from a millet-based porridge fed to young Burkinabe children. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2017;71(1):137-141.
- García-Mantrana I, Monedero V, Haros M. Reduction of phytate in soy drink by fermentation with Lactobacillus casei expressing phytases from bifidobacteria. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2015;70(3):269-74.
- Koshy JC, Sharabi SE, Feldman EM, Hollier LH Jr, Patrinely JR, Soparkar CN. Effect of dietary zinc and phytase supplementation on botulinum toxin treatments. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(4):507-12.