The effect of phytic acid on the levels of blood glucose and some enzymes of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

In this study, six groups of rats were fed as follows: Groups 1 and 2 were fed formulated diets supplemented with zinc or without zinc respectively. Groups 3 and 4 were fed formulated diets supplemented with zinc plus phytic acid extracted from sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) or commercial phytic acid respectively. Groups 5 and 6 were fed formulated diets supplemented with phytic acid extract from sweet potato or commercial phytic acid respectively. The animals were fed for three weeks and then sacrificed The activities of key enzymes of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as transaminases in the liver were determined. Blood glucose level was also assessed. Phytic acid extract consumption from sweet potato and commercial phytic acid plus zinc supplement lowered blood glucose levels. There was no significant change in the activity of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase among the groups. Similarly, phytic acid supplementation showed no significant decrease in the activity of pyruvate kinase compared to the group fed formulated diets. There was a significant increase in the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the groups fed phytic extract from sweet potato compared to the other groups. The activities of malic enzyme and ATP-citrate lyase in this study were not significantly altered among the groups. There is a lowering of blood glucose levels which is desirable for diabetics who consume sweet potato diets. The changes in some of the hepatic metabolic enzymes are geared towards compensating for the decreased glycolytic responses.