The microbiology of phytic acid metabolism by gut bacteria and relevance for bowel cancer

Abstract

Colon cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Compounds present in plant foods have anti-carcinogenic properties that may be metabolised by colonic bacteria thus decreasing or preventing any such beneficial effects. Phytic acid is found mostly in legumes and appears to possess anti-carcinogenic properties. This may be due to a number of factors including the recognised Ôbinding' properties of phytate. For this to occur successfully it is important that the integrity of phytic acid is preserved in the colon, which is a profuse microbial ecosystem. However, there are few data on the microbial species involved in its metabolism. Studies that define the populations involved may lead towards the use of dietary intervention procedures that can reduce the activities of the microflora involved in phytate degradation, thereby preserving its purported anti-tumour properties.

Criteria for Safe Use of Plant Ingredients in Diets for Aquacultured Fish

“…Studies of microbial effects on metabolism of phytic acid and utilization of phytic acid phosphorus are numerous, however, for example Miyazawa et al (1996), Steer and Gibson (2002), and .…”

Minor components of pulses and their potential impact on human health

“…Dietary and endogenous phytic acid have protective effects against cancer and heart disease and may be responsible for the cancer-protective effects of high-fibre foods (Fredlund et al, 2006;Grases et al, 2001;Grases et al, 2006;Jenab & Thompson, 2002). The anticarcinogenic properties of phytic acid may result from numerous factors, including its ability to chelate metal ions; this depends on the phytate retaining its integrity in the colon, a profuse microbial ecosystem (Steer & Gibson, 2002). The backbone of most inositol phosphates in cells is myo-inositol.…”

Non-Nutritive Compounds in Fabaceae Family Seeds and the Improvement of Their Nutritional Quality by Traditional Processing – a Review

“…Scientifi c studies have reported a relationship between consumption of myo-inositol phosphates such as IP 6 from soybean and lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer [Campos-Vega et al, 2010]. The PA mechanism of action is still unknown, however, anticarcinogenic activity of IP 6 has been linked to its ability to chelate metal ions [Steer & Gibson, 2002].…”