Phytic acidNutrition library
Phytic acid
Phytic acid (phytate) in grains, legumes, nuts and seeds binds iron, zinc and magnesium. Not a scored nutrient — tracked for absorption modelling. Soaking, sprouting and fermentation reduce it.
Trimester focus
| Stage | For the mother | For the baby |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester | High phytate meals can blunt non-heme iron and zinc uptake; pair plant iron with vitamin C and vary preparation methods. | Indirect — maternal mineral absorption matters more than phytate itself. |
| Second trimester | Iron and zinc needs rise; watch phytate load from oats, beans and bran alongside mineral-rich foods. | Supports maternal stores that feed fetal growth. |
| Third trimester | Same pattern — soaking/fermenting grains and legumes frees bound minerals when appetite is plant-heavy. | No direct fetal target; maternal mineral status remains the lever. |
Target note
Used in meal-resolved iron, zinc and magnesium bioavailability models. Lower is better for mineral uptake, but whole grains remain valuable for fibre and micronutrients.