What is the difference between phytic acid and phytates, please?
Phytic acid is a compound that is a natural anion. As such, it has the ability to bind with mineral cations into compounds (= salts) known as phytates (these compounds most commonly form with calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and copper). Because these bonds are indigestible for the human digestive tract, consuming foods with a high content of phytates results in lower bioavailability of these minerals (despite their relatively high content in the food).
Questions answered by
Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system
Nutrition educator, lecturer, and author of the educational system and the ZOF learning application.
Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.
He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.
In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.