High performance liquid chromatography analysis of phytate (IP6) in selected foods

Populations whose dietary staples consist primarily of foods of plant seeds origin, such as beans, maize, whole grains or flat breads have the greatest probability of suffering from zinc deficiency. Eighty-two commonly consumed foods were chosen for phytate analysis. Thirty-three of those contained phytate above the level of detection (8 ng/g). They were assigned zinc values and phytate:zinc molar ratios were calculated. Using this method, 49 foods were found to be below the level of phytate detection. Most of the snack foods are found in this category: candy, cakes, doughnut, cookies, crackers, chips, English muffin, and some cereals also consumed as snacks. However, nuts, except filberts (hazelnuts), macadamia nuts and popcorn are relatively high in phytate. The phytate:zinc molar ratio may be used to evaluate foods and total diets for available zinc. A phytate:zinc molar ratio of 10 or less is necessary to sustain zinc homeostasis.