Evidence supporting the use of: 4-Phytase
For the health condition: Calcium Deficiency
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
4-Phytase is an enzyme primarily used in animal nutrition, especially in monogastric animals like poultry and swine, to improve the bioavailability of phosphorus and, indirectly, calcium. Phytate, the primary storage form of phosphorus in plant seeds, binds tightly to minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, making them unavailable for absorption. 4-Phytase catalyzes the hydrolysis of phytate, releasing inorganic phosphate and reducing mineral chelation, which enhances the intestinal absorption of both phosphorus and calcium.
In numerous animal studies, dietary supplementation with phytase (including 4-phytase) has been consistently shown to increase calcium absorption and bone mineralization. For example, research has demonstrated that phytase supplementation in poultry and swine diets allows for a reduction in dietary calcium and phosphorus supplementation without negative effects on growth or bone health. This is due to phytase’s ability to liberate calcium bound to phytate, making it bioavailable.
While the bulk of evidence comes from animal studies, the mechanism is well-understood biochemically. However, there is limited direct clinical evidence in humans for using 4-phytase to treat calcium deficiency, as calcium deficiency in humans is more commonly addressed through direct calcium supplementation or dietary modification. Nonetheless, the enzyme is widely validated in veterinary and agricultural contexts as a means of improving calcium bioavailability. Thus, the use of 4-phytase for supporting calcium absorption has a strong scientific basis, particularly in animal nutrition.