Distribution of phytic acid and mineral elements in three indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars

Three indica rice cultivars with different grain shapes were selected to determine the milling characteristics and distribution of phytic acid (PA) and six mineral elements including magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se). Milling characteristics were quite different among the rice cultivars with different physical dimensions. Similar milling times did not necessarily result in the same degree of milling (DOM) for different rice cultivars. The concentrations of phytic acid and minerals decreased with an increased DOM. These results also showed that phytic acid and minerals except for Zn and Se were not evenly distributed and highly concentrated in the outer layer (0% < DOM < 15%) of the rice kernel. In contrast, Zn and Se seem to be relatively evenly distributed in the grain. Optimum DOM of about 14% was detected for Zhenong 7 (long and slender grain); 10% was found for Zhenong 60 (medium-grain) and 9% for Zhenong 34 (short and round grain). The information generated in this experiment could be useful to optimize milling procedures for maximum removal of phytic acid, minimum mineral losses and weight loss in indica rice cultivars with different grain shapes.