Phytase
Phytase is an enzyme that removes phosphate groups from phytic acid (phytate), the storage form of phosphorus in grains, legumes and seeds. It is made by fermenting molds such as Aspergillus niger or by engineered yeasts and Trichoderma strains, then filtering out the organism and concentrating the enzyme. Most phytase is sold for animal feed; food and supplement brands buy smaller volumes of powder standardized to a stated activity.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Phytase standardized in FCC phytase units (FTU) per gram on a carrier for capsules and enzyme blends.
Liquid or powder used in cereal, legume and plant-protein processing to break down phytate.
Granulated or coated phytase built to survive pelleting, mainly for feed.
Products labeled by where on the phytate ring the enzyme starts; the type is set by the production strain.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Enzyme powders lose activity with heat and moisture, so keep them sealed in the original lined container in a cool, dry place, and refrigerate liquid preparations if the supplier says to. Shelf life is set by each supplier's specification, usually as a guaranteed minimum activity to a stated date, and older stock is retested for activity before use. Supplier safety data sheets for enzyme powders call for dust control and respiratory protection when weighing and blending.
Record measured FTU per gram for each lot and dose by activity. Confirm each lot is a food or supplement grade rather than a feed grade, note the production organism and carrier, and rotate stock first-expired, first-out.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Digestive Enzymes natural health product monograph lists phytase (1-, 3-, 4- and 6-phytase) with Aspergillus niger as source material.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The same monograph sets a daily maximum of 75 FCC FTU for phytase.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Troy, VA
Virginia-based enzyme and Bacillus probiotic company that formulates and blends ingredients for supplement, food and animal nutrition brands. Its news page says it has joined the Lallemand group.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include supplement grade powder, food process grade, heat-stable and coated grades and 3-phytase and 6-phytase types. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect phytase activity, production strain, mycotoxins, heavy metals, microbiology and loss on drying, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Enzyme powders lose activity with heat and moisture, so keep them sealed in the original lined container in a cool, dry place, and refrigerate liquid preparations if the supplier says to. Shelf life is set by each supplier's specification, usually as a guaranteed minimum activity to a stated date, and older stock is retested for activity before use. Supplier safety data sheets for enzyme powders call for dust control and respiratory protection when weighing and blending.
Health Canada's Digestive Enzymes natural health product monograph lists phytase (1-, 3-, 4- and 6-phytase) with Aspergillus niger as source material. The same monograph sets a daily maximum of 75 FCC FTU for phytase.
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