The most effective treatments for reducing phytate content in
legumes are fermentation and germination . However, these methods are of limited use, applicable only
to products of specific characteristics (fermented beans, sauces,
bean sprouts, etc.). On the other hand, without significantly
altering the food product characteristics, phytase application offers
an effective means to remove phytic acid and is particularly useful
for legume-based beverages . As reviewed by
Greiner and Konietzny (2006), phytase is capable of initiating the
stepwise dephosphorylation of phytate and increasing mineral
bioavailability, including calcium (Fig. 1). Until recently, phytase
has been used mainly as an animal feed additive in swine and
poultry diets, and, to some extent, in fish diet