Oxalate and Phytate Concentrations in Seeds of Soybean Cultivars [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]

This study analyzed soybean seeds from 116 cultivars for total, insoluble, and soluble oxalate (Ox), phytate (InsP₆), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) because of their potential beneficial or harmful effects on human nutrition. These cultivars were divided into four groups (A−D) on the basis of the year and geographic location where they were grown. Oxalate concentration ranged from about 82 to 285 mg/100 g of dry seed. The InsP₆ concentration ranged from 0.22 to 2.22 g/100 g of dry seed. There was no correlation between Ox and InsP₆ within or among the four groups of cultivars. There was a significant correlation between total Ox and Ca, but not Mg, in group D cultivars (r = 0.3705; p < 0.0005). No significant relationship was found in the group A−C cultivars. Eleven group D cultivars had InsP₆ less than 500 mg/100 g, but all had total Ox of 130 mg/100 g or greater. Five cultivars from groups A−C had relatively low InsP₆ (group B; ≤1.01 g/100 g) and low Ox (<140 mg/100 g). These cultivars could be useful for producing soy foods beneficial to populations at risk for kidney stones and for improved mineral bioavailability. The Ox and InsP₆ concentrations of the cultivars indicate that choosing specific parents could generate seeds in succeeding generations with desirable Ox and InsP₆ concentrations.

Keywords: Calcium oxalate; cultivar; nutrition; oxalate; phytate; seeds; soybean