Effect of Phytate on Iron Absorption in the Rat

Hemoglobin regeneration was studied in groups of anemic rats fed purified diets containing 10 or 20 ppm of iron in which either 45 or 75% of the phosphorus was replaced with phytate phosphorus. The results were compared with those obtained with control animals receiving phytate-free diets. In the groups receiving 20 ppm of iron, hemoglobin regeneration was more rapid than in the groups given 10 ppm. However, at either level of iron, dietary phytate had no effect on iron absorption as measured by total hemoglobin regeneration.