Phytate destruction by yeast fermentation in whole wheat meals. Study of high-extraction rate meals.

Destruction of phytate by yeast fermentation is compared in sponges prepared from Iranian whole wheat meals of different extraction rates. Phytate was destroyed rapidly in whole meals of 75 to 85 and 85 to 90 per cent extraction, but destruction was retarded in those of 95 to 100 per cent extraction. Production of acid-soluble phosphorus kept pace with phytate destruction in the two whole meals of lower extraction rates but was delayed with less-than-expected yield in those of 95 to 100 per cent rate. Unleavened whole meal bread contains little acid-soluble phosphorus. Leavened breads made from whole meals of slightly lower extraction rate average five times as much. Since phytate phosphorus appears to remain unavailable in the small intestine in many circumstances, dependece on unleavened whole meal bread may result in critically low intakes of available phosphorus when other sources are lacking in the diet. It is concluded that replacement of the whole meals of 95 to 100 per cent extraction rate, presently the main staple of the diet of rural Iran, by those of somewhat lower rate is an important preliminary to the introduction of leaven and fermentation into village bread-making methods.