What is "phytic acid"

n. (context organic compound English) The compound ''inositol hexaphosphoric acid''' present in cereals etc as alkali and alkaline earth salts; it is a source of phosphorus for ruminants but is indigestible for carnivores

Phytic acid (known as inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), inositol polyphosphate, or phytate when in salt form), discovered in 1903, a saturated cyclic acid, is the principal storage form of phosphorus in many plant tissues, especially bran and seeds. It can be found in cereals and grains.

Catabolites of phytic acid are called lower inositol polyphosphates. Examples are inositol penta- (IP5), tetra- (IP4), and triphosphate (IP3).