The influence of fermentation processes and cereal grains in wholegrain bread on reducing phytate content

• Breadmaking using wholemeal wheat, oat blend and rye have been compared.
• Phytate levels decreased during processing of the doughs.
• Duration of fermentation was the most important factor influencing phytate.
• Temperature influenced phytate but to a lesser extent.
• Rye sourdough fermentation had the highest phytate reduction.

Wholegrain bread is generally thought of as being more healthy than white bread due to it having a higher content of dietary fibre, vitamins (especially vitamin B and E) and many important minerals. However, wholegrain bread also contains high levels of phytate (myo-inositolhexakisphosphate, InsP-6) which may bind desirable nutrients, preventing their absorption in the gut and thereby reducing the nutritional value of the end product. In order to evaluate factors influencing phytate levels, the effects of fermentation and selected wholemeal flours from rye, oats and wheat were investigated. Phytate levels were assessed using a spectrophotometric assay based on the measurement of iron with 2,2′-bipyridine. Phytate decreased in freshly ground wholegrain flour dough during the fermentation process with time of fermentation being the most important factor. Fermentation temperature was found to make only a small difference to the process of phytate reduction. Since the potential benefits of wholemeal breads incorporating various grains (e.g. oats and rye) are increasingly evident, this research has important implications for human health.