Nutrient links‐the interrelationship between different dietary components

Abstract

Phytic acid and mineral absorption. In 1925 Sir Edward Mellanby demonstrated that when puppies were given a diet poor in vitamin D and calcium, and containing large amounts of bread, they developed rickets. At first this was thought to be due to the growth promoting properties of the bread which allowed the puppies to grow at a rate faster than their bones could lay down calcium. However, it was later shown to be caused by the presence of a compound of inositol combined with six molecules of phosphoric acid. The formula of this compound, which is phytic acid, is shown in the figure.