JPH04270296A - Mineral absorbefacient and production of phytic acid partial hydrolyzate or its metallic salt - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain an absorbefacient capable of promoting absorption of minerals including ingested calcium without being digested by gastric juice or intestinal juice at a low cost. CONSTITUTION:A mineral absorbefacient containing a partial hydrolyzate of phytic acid in which the number of phosphate radicals of phytic acid or its salts is at least <=5, preferably >=2.2 to <=5 or its metallic salt as a principal ingredient. The aforementioned partial hydrolyzate of the phytic acid or its metallic salt which is the principal ingredient of the mineral absorbefacient is produced by hydrolyzing the phytic acid or its salts with phytase or an inorganic acid, and stopping the hydrolysis within a range so as not to liberate all the phosphate radicals.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a mineral absorption enhancer that promotes the absorption of calcium and other minerals contained in or added to food, and a partially decomposed product of phytic acid or its metal salt, which is the main component of the mineral absorption enhancer. Relating to a manufacturing method.

0002

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, calcium deficiency has become a social problem, from frequent fractures in children to osteoporosis in the elderly. 1 compiled by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in February 1990
In the 1988 National Nutrition Survey, it was recognized that the intake of calcium continues to decline year by year, and it is the only nutrient that is deficient out of the 13 nutrients surveyed, with an intake of 524 mg compared to the required intake of 604 mg. There is a big shortage. Furthermore, although it appears that iron intake is sufficient, there have been many reports that young women are more likely to be anemic. Furthermore, research reports have shown that female students and adult women, who are most in need of iron intake, are noticeably lacking in iron intake (published by the Japanese Society of Nutrition and Food Science in 1981).
Mineral intake in Japanese people: Kyoto University School of Medicine, Department of Hygiene, Emiko Kimura et al.), (presented at the same conference; Effect of iron intake on the iron nutritional status of adult women: Nichi Medical University, Biochemistry: Kumiko Goto et al.). For this reason, minerals have recently been in the spotlight at the 10th RDA in the United States and the Functional Food Study Group in Japan.
Reflecting this, many types of mineral foods are now on the market.

However, there is a problem in that these minerals are difficult to absorb. For example, the absorption rate of calcium is about 30%, and it has been reported that it is about 15% in elderly people. The absorption rate of iron is about 5% under normal conditions, and the absorption rate of heme iron is about 25%. If the absorption rate of a certain mineral is low, it may be possible to compensate for the low absorption rate by supplementing a large amount of that mineral, but if one type of mineral is present in large amounts, the absorption rate of other minerals will actually decrease. It has been pointed out that there is a possibility that this may cause a trace mineral deficiency. Additionally, large amounts of minerals affect the digestive system. From this point of view, it can be said that it is natural and desirable for health to efficiently absorb ingested calcium. Therefore, it would be extremely useful if there were an absorption enhancer that could be added to foods for this purpose.

[0004] Existing calcium absorption enhancers include:
Casein phosphopeptide (CPP), a part of milk protein
has been developed, and beverages containing this CPP have also been developed and are commercially available. It is known that the absorption efficiency of calcium contained in milk and dairy products is likely to be due to the action of CPP (Japan Agricultural Chemical Conference 1981 Symposium; Significance of dietary-derived intestinal macropeptides: casein phosphopeptides, Agricultural Science, University of Tokyo, Hiroshi Naito), (Japan Agricultural Science Conference 1981; Effect of casein diet on Ca absorption in the lower small intestine of rats, Agricultural Science, University of Tokyo, Lee Lien-suk, Tadashi Noguchi, Hiroshi Naito)
other.

[0005] CPP is a peptide of about 20 amino acids that contains four phosphoserines (each having one phosphate radical) on the terminal side of a protein (β-casein) that accounts for about 22% of the total casein protein ( Presented at the Japanese Society of Food and Nutrition in 1985; Identification of casein phosphopeptide in rat small intestine and investigation of Ca, Fe solubilization ability, University of Tokyo Agricultural Chemicals, Ryuichiro Sato, Tadashi Noguchi, Hiroshi Naito). On the other hand, the molecular weight of this β-casein is 20,000 to 30,000, and CPP obtained from casein
is only about 1/50th. Therefore, CP than casein
When producing P, disposal of the remaining components becomes an issue. Casein itself is a protein isolated from animal milk. These factors inevitably make CPP quite expensive. Furthermore, since CPP is a peptide,
It has the disadvantage that it loses its effectiveness when digested by proteolytic enzymes contained in gastric juice and intestinal juice (particularly duodenal juice).

[0006] Therefore, the present inventor conducted extensive research in order to develop a calcium absorption enhancer that is inexpensive to replace CPP, is not digested by proteolytic enzymes in the body, and is efficiently produced. First, the functions that a calcium absorption enhancer should have are: - After ingested calcium is solubilized by stomach acid, it is sent to the intestines, and by preventing it from being insolubilized due to changes in pH (neutral range). , can increase the absorbable calcium concentration. Therefore,
Calcium absorbents must have radicals that combine with calcium ions. ■ For example, it has been confirmed that EDTA has a strong bond with iron, which leads to decreased absorption (see above, published by the Japanese Society of Food and Nutrition in 1985;
Identification of casein phosphopeptides in rat small intestine and Ca, F
e Examination of solubilization ability, Department of Agriculture, University of Tokyo, Ryuichiro Sato, Tadashi Noguchi,
Hiroshi Naito). Similarly, if the calcium absorption enhancer has too strong a bond with calcium ions, there is a risk that solubilized calcium will not be absorbed. Therefore, the radical that binds to calcium must have a moderate affinity. is necessary.

The present inventor focused on the fact that the behavior of phytic acid, which is a mineral absorption inhibitor, with respect to calcium is extremely similar to the above-mentioned function, and the only difference is that calcium salt is insoluble. We anticipated that it would become a substance that promotes mineral absorption, and conducted research on it.

[0008]

[Problem to be solved by the invention] Phytic acid is widely present in grains, and has long been known to bind with Zn, Mg, Ca, Fe, etc. and inhibit the absorption of minerals (published by Kagaku Doujin; Biochemistry Dictionary). Confirmed. For example, zinc Z
The absorption rate of n also varies greatly depending on the content of the meal, and there have been actual reports that the absorption of zinc is hindered by phytic acid and, to some extent, dietary fiber contained in foods. In 1960, ``human Zn deficiency'' was first identified in developing countries, particularly Iran. In other words, there were no problems in urban areas where "fermented bread" was eaten regularly,
In rural areas where people regularly eat ``unfermented bread'', significant growth inhibition and underdevelopment of genital organs have been confirmed. In this example, RAD
It has been reported that treatment was possible with a pathological dose of Zn that was 3 to 5 times the normal dose (30 to 50 mg/day), and this problem is thought to be caused by severe Zn deficiency (A.S. Pra.
sad “Deficiency of Znin M
and its Toxicity”, Trac
eElements in Human Healt
h and Dise-ase (Vol.1). , Ac
academic Press. , 1976, ISBN 0
-12-564201-6).

[0009] In general, a considerable amount of the phosphorus P contained in grains exists as phytic acid.
Calcium phytate is produced in the digestive system and becomes an insoluble substance, which is excreted in the feces undigested, which impedes the absorption of not only P but also Ca. In particular, whole grains contain a large amount of P salt in the form of phytic acid, but bread is eaten by yeast fermentation based on the wisdom of humankind's long history, and phytase in this yeast breaks down this phytic acid. Therefore, there was no concern about inhibition of Ca absorption. However, in the Middle East and Asia, where people ate unfermented whole-grain bread, Ca absorption was inhibited, causing osteomalacia (CM Berlyne).
et al “Osteomatacia due to
Ca Deprivation caused by
High phyticacid Concentr
ation ofunleaved bread”
, Am. J. Clin. Nutri. 26, 1973)
.

[0010] From the reports of the above examples, it is thought that the inhibition of mineral absorption by phytic acid is caused by the insolubility of the conjugate of phytic acid and minerals. Furthermore, this improvement in mineral absorption inhibition is thought to be achieved through the decomposition reaction of phytic acid by phytase during bread fermentation. However, it is unclear to what extent phytic acid should be decomposed. Therefore, the present inventor has clarified this point and obtained a mineral absorption enhancer including calcium, and has also invented a method for producing a partial decomposition product of phytic acid, which is the main component thereof, and a metal salt thereof.

[0011]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The gist of the mineral absorption enhancer according to the present invention is that phytic acid or a salt thereof has at least 5 or less phosphoric acid radicals, preferably 2 or more and 5 or less. The main component is an acid partial decomposition product or the metal salt.

[0012] The gist of the method for producing a partially decomposed product of phytic acid according to the present invention is that phytase is allowed to act on phytic acid or its salts to cause hydrolysis within a range in which all phosphoric acid radicals are not liberated. It's because I let it happen.

Furthermore, the gist of another method for producing a partially decomposed phytic acid product according to the present invention is that phytic acid or its salts are heated under acidic conditions and optionally pressurized.
This is due to the fact that hydrolysis occurred within a range in which all phosphoric acid radicals were not liberated.

Next, the gist of the method for producing a metal salt of a partially decomposed phytic acid product according to the present invention is to add an aqueous solution of a metal salt to the partially decomposed phytic acid product obtained by the above-mentioned production method to form an insoluble material. was removed, alcohol was added to the metal salt of the partially decomposed phytic acid product produced, the metal salt was taken out as a precipitate, and the precipitate was dried to form a powder.

[0015]

[Action] The mineral absorption enhancer according to the present invention is a partially decomposed product of phytic acid having 5 or less phosphoric acid radicals, which is obtained by removing at least one of the 6 phosphoric acid radicals in the molecule of phytic acid or its salts. It was found that this method not only does not inhibit the absorption of calcium, but also promotes its absorption, and a mineral absorption enhancer whose main component is a partially decomposed product of phytic acid or a metal salt thereof has been obtained. The purpose of promoting calcium absorption can be achieved by adding the obtained mineral absorption enhancer to foods rich in calcium or foods to which calcium has been added in an amount of 0.05% or more, preferably 0.2% or more. .

Next, the partially decomposed product of phytic acid, which is the main component of the mineral absorption enhancer, is brought into contact with an aqueous solution of phytic acid or its salts, which is a mineral absorption inhibitor, using baker's yeast or wheat phytase under appropriate reaction conditions. This causes a decomposition reaction, and phosphoric acid radicals are liberated. After quantifying the liberated inorganic phosphorus and deactivating the enzyme by heating after the decomposition reaction has progressed appropriately, or by adding alkali and deactivating the enzyme by changing the pH, insoluble matter is removed. , a phytic acid partial decomposition product solution can be obtained.

[0017] Phytic acid partially decomposed products are prepared by chemically reacting an aqueous solution of phytic acid or its salts, which is a mineral absorption inhibitor, under acidic heating and, if necessary, applying pressure to prevent the aqueous solution from boiling. Phosphate radicals are liberated. Quantitate this liberated inorganic phosphorus,
When the decomposition reaction has progressed to a suitable level, an alkaline solution is added to stop the reaction, and then insoluble matter is removed to obtain a phytic acid partially decomposed product solution.

Furthermore, if an aqueous calcium solution or another metal salt is desired, an aqueous solution of a corresponding metal salt can be added to the obtained phytic acid partially decomposed product solution to remove insoluble matter to obtain the salt. At this time, unreacted phytic acid is removed. The metal salt of this partially decomposed phytic acid product is obtained as a precipitate by adding alcohol, and can be obtained as a powder by taking it out and drying it.

[0019]

EXAMPLES Next, examples of the present invention will be described in detail. Phytic acid, which is the raw material for the partially decomposed phytic acid product that is the main component of the mineral absorption enhancer of the present invention, exists in large amounts in inedible grains, such as rice bran, which are removed during the refining process of grains. It is extracted and used. Further, as the salts of phytic acid, sodium salt, calcium salt, magnesium salt, etc. are used.

[0020] Phytase is added to this aqueous solution of phytic acid or its salts to cause hydrolysis, thereby liberating phosphoric acid radicals. In addition to commercially available wheat phytase, phytase is contained in baker's yeast, so baker's yeast itself is used. Hydrolysis of phytic acid or its salts by phytase involves the hydrolysis of phytic acid or its salts before all six phosphate radicals in the molecule are liberated and become inositol.
Decomposition is stopped in the state of a phytic acid partial decomposition product having 1 or more and 5 or less phosphoric acid radicals in which at least one phosphoric acid radical is liberated. Particularly preferred is a partially decomposed product of phytic acid having 2 or more and 5 or less phosphoric acid radicals, in which a large number of phosphoric acid radicals bond with minerals such as calcium. Hydrolysis by phytase is stopped by deactivating the enzyme, and deactivation of the enzyme is performed by heating or by changing the pH using an alkali or the like.

On the other hand, the hydrolysis of phytic acid or its salts can also be carried out by adding an inorganic acid instead of phytase. For example, an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid is added and hydrolyzed under heat to accelerate the reaction. Here, the heat may be controlled so as not to boil the heated aqueous solution of phytic acid or its salts, and this reaction may be carried out under pressure for industrial mass production. As mentioned above, the extent to which phytic acid or its salts are hydrolyzed is determined to be in the state of a partially decomposed product of phytic acid before all phosphoric acid radicals are liberated and become inositol. This reaction is stopped because phytic acid is stable against alkalis.
This is done by adding an alkaline solution such as concentrated aqueous ammonia.

Next, insoluble matter is removed from the solution of the partially decomposed phytic acid obtained by partially decomposing phytic acid or its salts by centrifugation or filtration, and a purified solution of the partially decomposed phytic acid is produced. Ru.

[0023] An aqueous calcium solution or, if a mineral other than calcium is desired, an aqueous solution of a metal salt thereof is further added to the partially decomposed product of phytic acid in the form of a solution, and the resulting insoluble matter is removed by centrifugation, filtration, etc. removed by The produced insoluble matter is mainly unreacted calcium salt or metal salt of phytic acid. An alcohol such as ethanol is added to the metal salt of a partially decomposed phytic acid solution in which insoluble matter has been removed and purified, and the metal salt is precipitated. The metal salt of the partially decomposed phytic acid product obtained as a precipitate is dried to obtain a powdery metal salt. Example 1 7 grams of sodium phytate (manufactured by Sigma Chemical Co.) was added to 3000 ml of sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.6).
) dissolved in 250 grams of commercial baker's yeast in the form of a wet cake (moisture 72%, nitrogen content 2%, phosphorus content 0.4%) was added to this solution while stirring, and the mixture was heated to 45°C.
A decomposition reaction was carried out. The amount of inorganic phosphorus liberated by the decomposition of sodium phytate by baker's yeast was measured over time. The measurement results are shown in FIG. 2, where the phosphoric acid release rate, in which the amount of inorganic phosphorus released is expressed as a percentage of the total phosphorus amount, is plotted on the vertical axis, and the reaction time is plotted on the horizontal axis. The figure was used as a guide for the degree of decomposition reaction of sodium phytate by baker's yeast.

Example 2 First, sodium phytate was dissolved in a sodium acetate buffer under the same conditions as in Example 1, and baker's yeast was stirred in the solution to carry out a decomposition reaction. Based on the relationship between the phosphoric acid release rate and the reaction time shown in Figure 2, the phosphoric acid release rate is approximately 25%.
%, and the reaction time was about 2 hours.Concentrated ammonia water was added to the reaction solution until the pH of the reaction solution reached 12 to stop the decomposition reaction of sodium phytate by baker's yeast. Next, the reaction solution was centrifuged to collect the supernatant. Phytic acid partial decomposition product (PDP) was produced by passing the obtained supernatant through an ion exchange resin (DOWEX 1, chloride type).
After adsorption, the phytic acid partial decomposition product (PDP) was eluted from the ion exchange resin with 1N hydrochloric acid. The thus obtained phytic acid partial decomposition product (PDP) solution was designated as PDP-25 as a decomposition product with a phosphoric acid release rate of 25% by decomposing and removing 25% of inorganic phosphorus.

Similarly, a 3-hour reaction with a phosphoric acid release rate of about 30%, a 6-hour reaction with a phosphoric acid release rate of about 40%, and a 12-hour reaction with a phosphoric acid release rate of about 50% were carried out in the same manner.
Aqueous solutions of DP-30, PDP-40 and PDP-50 were obtained. The patterns of phytic acid phosphate esters contained in each obtained phytic acid partial decomposition product solution by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLP) are shown in Figures 3 and 4.
, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Here, high performance liquid chromatography is performed using Whatman Partisi
The elution method was 95% using l 10 SAX column.
Elution with H2O/5% MeOH for 10 min followed by gradient elution with 95% 0.7N HCl/5% MeOH for 30 min. In the figure, ■ represents inositol, ■ represents inositol monophosphate, ■ represents inositol diphosphate, ■ represents inositol triphosphate, ■ represents inositol tetraphosphate, ■ represents inositol pentaphosphate, and ■ represents inositol hexaphosphate. From these figures, it can be seen that the decomposition reaction of PDP-25 is in the initial state, and the decomposition reaction of PDP-50 has progressed considerably.

Example 3 Four types of PDP solutions obtained in Example 2 (PDP-25
, PDP-30, PDP-40, PDP-50) 50
An aqueous calcium hydroxide solution was added to 0 ml of each to neutralize the pH to about 7. The resulting precipitate was removed by centrifugation. The precipitate was mainly unreacted calcium salt of phytic acid. By adding 500 ml of ethanol to the obtained supernatant, phytic acid partial decomposition product PDP was precipitated as a calcium salt. This precipitate was centrifuged, redissolved, and purified by repeating ethanol precipitation, and then vacuum dried to obtain PDP-25Ca salt and PDP-30C, respectively.
It was possible to obtain powders of a salt, PDP-40Ca salt, and PDP-50Ca salt.

Example 4 Calcium phosphate powder was suspended in a hydrochloric acid solution (pH 1.5) with a concentration close to that of gastric juice at a calcium concentration of 0.1M, and the PDP-25Ca salt powder produced in Example 3 was further suspended at 0.01%. and stirred for 1 hour at 37° C., which is close to body temperature, to solubilize. Thereafter, the pH of the solution was adjusted to 6.8 with caustic soda solution, which is close to the intestinal conditions, and the solubilized calcium was examined to see how it became insolubilized over time. To measure the calcium concentration, a portion of the liquid was collected after a certain period of time, centrifuged, and the calcium concentration in the supernatant was measured by atomic absorption. The measurement results are shown in Figure 1.

Under similar conditions, PDP-30Ca salt, PDP
Experiments were also conducted using powders of -40Ca salt and PDP-50Ca salt, and the manner in which solubilized calcium became insolubilized over time was investigated. The measurement results are shown in Figure 1.

Comparative Example 1 Similar to Example 4, a hydrochloric acid solution (pH 1
．． 5) Calcium phosphate powder was suspended at a calcium concentration of 0.1 M, and in Comparative Example 1, without adding PDP salt powder, the suspension was stirred for 1 hour at a temperature of 37° C. close to body temperature to solubilize. Thereafter, the pH of the solution was adjusted to 6.8 with caustic soda solution, which is close to the intestinal conditions, and the solubilized calcium was examined to see how it became insolubilized over time. To measure the calcium concentration, a portion of the liquid was collected after a certain period of time, centrifuged, and the calcium concentration in the supernatant was measured by atomic absorption. The measurement results are shown in Figure 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, PDP salt powder (PDP
-25Ca salt, PDP-30Ca salt, PDP-40Ca
It was observed that the calcium solubilized by adding salt, PDP-50Ca salt) became slightly insolubilized over time. On the other hand, calcium solubilized without adding PDP salt powder was significantly insolubilized with the passage of time, and it was observed that the calcium concentration decreased. From the above, all four types of PDP salt powder were recognized to have a remarkable effect of preventing calcium insolubilization.

Example 5 Two SD male rats weighing approximately 70 grams were fasted for 16 hours, then their abdomens were opened under anesthesia, and the ileum was excised at a position 10 cm above the cecum and about 10 cm further above. was ligated with silk thread to prevent the contents from flowing in from the top or out from the bottom. PDP-30 per ml of saline into the ligated intestinal tract.
Inject 0.25 ml of a solution containing 4 mg of Ca salt, and then inject 0.25 ml of a solution containing 4 mg of Ca salt.
0.25 ml of mM) was injected.

The intestinal contents of one of the two rats used in the experiment were immediately collected with a 0.1N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution, centrifuged, and the amount of calcium in the supernatant was measured.
The value was determined as absorption zero time. The other rat received 0.25% of 40mM pH 8 phosphate buffer immediately after the previous injection of calcium chloride solution.
ml injection, and the intestinal tract was once returned to the abdomen to maintain physiological conditions as natural as possible. Two hours later, the abdomen was opened again, and the amount of calcium was measured in the same manner as at the zero absorption time described above. The results are shown in Table 1. Note that the amount of calcium is the total amount of calcium. As shown in the figure, the absorbed amount after 2 hours was 0.21 mg, and the percentage of absorbed amount to the amount of calcium at zero time was 40%.

[Table 1]

Comparative Example 2 In the same manner as in Example 5, two rats of approximately the same weight were used,
Inject 0.25% of physiological saline without PDP into the ligated intestinal tract.
ml was injected, and the same amount of calcium chloride solution was further injected in the same manner. Then, the amount of calcium was measured in one of the two rats at zero time and in the other 2 hours later under the same conditions. The results are shown in Table 1. As can be seen from the table, the absorption rate of Comparative Example 2 was 14%, which was about one third of that of Example 5.

[0034]

Effects of the Invention The mineral absorption enhancer according to the present invention has a partial decomposition product of phytic acid or its metal salt as a main component, and when such a mineral absorption enhancer is ingested together with minerals such as calcium, the ingested minerals are reduced. After being solubilized by the acid in the gastric fluid, it is sent to the small intestine and is prevented from becoming insolubilized by changes in pH to a neutral range, increasing the concentration of absorbable minerals. Moreover, since the minerals bound to the phytic acid partial decomposition product or its metal salt are not too strongly bound, the solubilized minerals are sufficiently absorbed. Furthermore, these phytic acid partial decomposition products and their metal salts are not digested by proteolytic enzymes contained in gastric juice or intestinal juice, and do not lose their effectiveness as mineral absorption promoters. Moreover, phytic acid and its salts, which are raw materials for producing phytic acid partial decomposition products and its metal salts, are contained in large amounts in inedible rice bran and the like, and are therefore inexpensive.

Furthermore, the phytic acid partial decomposition product or its metal salt, which is the main component of the mineral absorption enhancer according to the present invention, can be prepared by using phytase contained in baker's yeast or by adding an inorganic acid. It can be easily produced by liberating phosphoric acid radicals through a hydrolysis reaction and stopping the reaction within a range in which all phosphoric acid radicals are not liberated. Furthermore, by pulverizing it, it becomes easier to handle and store.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing changes in calcium concentration when a mineral absorption enhancer according to the present invention is added and when it is not added.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between phosphoric acid release rate and reaction time.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a pattern obtained by high performance liquid chromatography of phytic acid phosphates contained in PDP-25 according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a pattern obtained by high performance liquid chromatography of phytic acid phosphates contained in PDP-30 according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a pattern obtained by high performance liquid chromatography of phytic acid phosphates contained in PDP-40 according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a pattern obtained by high performance liquid chromatography of phytic acid phosphates contained in PDP-50 according to the present invention.

Claims (4)

[Claims] Claim 1: A mineral characterized in that the main component is a partial decomposition product of phytic acid or a metal salt thereof, in which the number of phosphoric acid radicals contained in phytic acid or its salts is at least 5 or less, preferably 2 or more and 5 or less. Absorption enhancer. 2. A method for producing a partially decomposed product of phytic acid, which comprises allowing phytase to act on phytic acid or a salt thereof to cause hydrolysis within a range in which no phosphoric acid radicals are liberated. 3. Partial decomposition of phytic acid, characterized in that phytic acid or its salts are hydrolyzed under acidic heating and, if necessary, pressurized to the extent that no phosphoric acid radicals are liberated. How things are manufactured. 4. A metal salt aqueous solution is added to the phytic acid partially decomposed product obtained by the production method according to claim 2 or 3 to remove insoluble materials, while the produced phytic acid 1. A method for producing a powder of a metal salt of a partially decomposed phytic acid product, which comprises adding alcohol to the metal salt of the partially decomposed product, extracting the metal salt as a precipitate, and drying the precipitate to form a powder.