The phytate or phytic acid is a phosphorated compound of natural origin that is present in numerous foods, mainly in legumes, whole grains and nuts.Members of the Research Laboratory in renal lithiasis and biomineralization of the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), led by Dr. Fèlix Grassa, in Spain, had already proven that this compound exerts a prevention effect of calcium renal calculations, calcificationsSoft tissue pathological and osteoporosis.
Now, this team has continued working on the properties of the fitato, and in collaboration with researchers from the Son Llàtzer, Palma (Mallorca), they have developed a patent based on the use of phytate to prevent the development of several diseases associated with diabetes, such as neuropathy, nephropathy, atherosclerosis, vascular calcification and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
In the case of diabetic patients, the development of these pathologies is related to the formation of final products of the so -called advanced glycation (AGE).Glycation implies a modification of the amino groups of proteins by the action of reducing sugars.Specifically, these compounds are the result of a process that is known as non -enzymatic protein glycation, which leads to the structural and functional deterioration of the molecules on which it acts.
The patent is based on the action of the phytate as an AGE formation inhibitor.Researchers have confirmed that this substance, accompanied by another natural compound how pyridoxamine isFinal products of advanced glycation.
Researchers have also published in PLOS One magazine a study that concludes that a phytate diet helps prevent calcification of the mitral valve of the heart in older people.The research has been done in collaboration with researchers at the Son Espases University Hospital, Palma (Mallorca).
Researchers of the Research Laboratory in renal lithiasis and biomineralization.(Photo: UIB)
Cardiovascular calcification is a pathology that occurs from the abnormal formation of solid hydroxyapatite deposits (calcium phosphate) in soft tissues of the cardiovascular system (the heart and blood vessels), and which can cause important health problems.In the specific case of the mitral valve, which regulates the blood flow between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart, calcification can lead to a malfunction of this valve and, therefore, can begin that the correct blood pumping isSee altered.
The study starts from the verification in previous studies of the team that the phytate can act as a calcification inhibitor.Now, the UIB researchers and the Son Espases University Hospital have analyzed the levels of phytate and calcification of the mitral valve in 188 patients, who were 68 years on average.The investigation has concluded that the individuals who presented higher levels of phytate in the urine (because they would ingest more through the diet) had less calcification in the mitral valve.
In this way, the research has once again confirmed the important role that phytate has as an inhibitor of pathological calcifications, while indicating the importance of maintaining a diet rich in this compound to prevent pathologies that derive from calcification.(Source: UIB)
