International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Engineering 2015, 5(1): 53-58 DOI: 10.5923/j.food.20150501.07 Effects of IP6 and Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Phytate on Serum, Liver and Faecal Lipids in Rats Lowell L. Dilworth 1,* , Felix O. Omoruyi 2 , Helen N. Asemota 3 1 Department of Pathology, The University of the West Indies Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica 2 Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica 3 The Biotechnology Centre, The University of the West Indies Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica Abstract Dyslipidemia is associated with coronary heart disease. It is known that phytate supplementation reduceshepatic triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in rats. Here, we investigated the effects of sweet potato phytate extract or IP6 on liver, serum and faecal lipid levels as well as intestinal lipase activity in rats fed zinc deficient of zinc sufficient diets. There were significant increases in intestinal lipase activity in the test group fed diets supplemented with sweet potato phytate extract only, compared to other groups. Conversely, faecal triglyceride concentrations were significantly reduced in this group compared to other test groups. Faecal cholesterol output was significantly increased in rats fed diets supplemented with phytate extract only compared to other groups. Total serum lipids did not vary among the groups, however, significantincreases in both serum triglyceride and HDL concentrations were observed in test animals compared to control groups. Liver phospholipid concentrations were found to be significantly higher in animals that consumed zinc supplemented diets compared to those on zinc deficient diets. Phytates may induce hypolipidemia by upregulating intestinal lipase activity resulting in increased faecal cholesterol output and reduced serum lipid levels. Increased serum HDL concentration in rats fed phytate suggests that this supplement may possess cardioprotective properties. Keywords Lipids, IP6, Phytic acid, Rats, Sweet potato 1. Introduction Disruptions in normal metabolic processes oftentimes result in metabolic consequences in which dyslipidemia may be a commonly observed event. Dyslipidemia may also exist on its own as a result of genetic abnormalities identified and grouped under the Fredrickson’s classification, or may develop as a complication of an already existing pathology for example diabetes mellitus. The recognized association of dyslipidemia with coronary heart disease has prompted research in the area with much attention focusing on pathogenesis and treatment. While statins remain the drugs of choice in some countries, other research geared towards developing alternative treatment regimens is ongoing. IP6, sometimes referred to as phytate, is a naturally occurring compound which has shown promise in treating dyslipidemia. Research shows that phytate supplementation reduces hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in rats [1]. Other research shows that phytate supplementation lowers serum and liver lipid levels but the effects on triacylglycerol levels were minimal [2]. While phytates are * Corresponding author: lowell.dilworth02@uwimona.edu.jm (Lowell L. Dilworth) Published online at http://journal.sapub.org/food Copyright © 2015 Scientific & Academic Publishing. All Rights Reserved predominantly known for their antioxidant, anticancer and hypoglycemic properties, other studies are needed to ascertain the mechanisms by which they are able to control dyslipidemia [3] [4]. Phytates are known chelators of divalent minerals, but it is theorized that they may also bind to specific enzymes or enzyme bi-products thereby affecting the rate of removal of these products from the gastrointestinal tract. This might be a potential mechanism by which serum lipids can be modulated by phytates and this warrantsfurther investigations. Tuber crops including yams, potato and cassava are widely consumed throughout the tropics. It is however thought that sweet potato while highly nutritious, is underutilized as seen by its reduced consumptioncompared to other tuber crops. This project therefore sought to highlight some properties of a bioactive compound found in sweet potato with a long term view of increasingcultivation and consumption of the crop. Once accepted into mainstream, it can serve as a cheap highly nutritious source of food for millions in the developing world. In addition, it may also be exploited for health benefits since this crop is a reservoir for a myriad of bioactive compounds that may possess beneficial nutraceutical properties. Keeping all this into consideration, the aim of the present study was to assess lipid metabolism in rats fed diets containing 5% IP6 or crude sweet potato phytate extract containing 5% phytate in order to assess the effects of these compounds in the pure