*6.5.3 Phytase*

The electronegative charge carried out by the phosphate groups in phytic acid has an antinutritional effect when the surrounding pH is close to neutrality. When phytic acid chelates remarkably large amounts of minerals (forming phytic acid salts called phytates), proteins, and carbohydrates in this condition, which is easily found along the chicken's digestive tract, insoluble complexes escape the digestive processes and are subsequently excreted with detrimental effects on animal performance and the environment [28]. However, the antinutritional effect of phytic acid can be limited by the enzymatic action of phosphatases, such as phytases, which rapidly hydrolyzes the esters bonds that support the phosphate groups (Vieira).
