Inositol Hexaphosphate

Also known as phytic acid, “IP6″ or “myo-inositol.” Inositol Hexaphosphate is a naturally occurring metabolite in both plant foods (whole grains, legumes, nuts/seeds) and mammalian cells, where it’s synthesized from the dietary nutrient inositol. 

IP6 is a chelating agent that can bind to divalent cations such as copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium.  Thus, it plays paradoxical roles in human health/nutrition: on the one hand, it can act as an anti-nutritional factor, and can reduce  the availability of amino acids and minerals from foods; on the other, it has antioxidant effects, due to its ability to prevent iron/copper-catalyzed formation of reactive oxygen species.

IP6 shows promise as an anti-cancer nutrient, although human clinical trials are lacking.