PHYTASE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

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.

How does it work ?

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 & Effectiveness

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.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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.

View References

REFERENCES:

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

Iqbal TH, Lewis KO, Cooper BT. Phytase activity in the human and rat small intestine. Gut. 1994;35(9):1233-6. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

Sandberg AS, Hulthén LR, Türk M. Dietary Aspergillus niger phytase increases iron absorption in humans. J Nutr. 1996;126(2):476-80. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2024 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.