Are foods high in phytic acid bad?

[ToBeABeast]

Hi Jordan,

I noticed that I always feel lethargic and weak after I eat a meal containing oatmeal, nuts, or whole-grain bread.

After some research, I found that all these foods are high in phytic acid which blocks mineral absorption. Suppose I eat a meal containing eggs and oats, the oats will prevent zinc from the eggs from being fully absorbed for example.

Of course, that's according to what I've read and seen on youtube videos.

But then I know you eat a ton of oatmeal every day and you seem to be healthy and full of energy.

What are your thoughts on this matter?

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

This "blocking" has been mostly demonstrated in vitro, but not much in vivo, e.g. in actual humans. Rather, humans who consume minimally processed foods that are higher in phytic acid tend to have better health outcomes (including those tied to mineral status) across the board. I know there are some individuals on the internet with large megaphones who say phytic acid and subsequent mineral deficiencies are BIG problems, but this is not supported by evidence:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35010899/

[ToBeABeast]

This "blocking" has been mostly demonstrated in vitro, but not much in vivo, e.g. in actual humans. Rather, humans who consume minimally processed foods that are higher in phytic acid tend to have better health outcomes (including those tied to mineral status) across the board. I know there are some individuals on the internet with large megaphones who say phytic acid and subsequent mineral deficiencies are BIG problems, but this is not supported by evidence:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35010899/

That study was insightful. It looks like there's no reason to worry about phytates as long as a balanced diet is consumed. Many thanks.