has been hypothesized, but not tested, that probiotic lactobacilli and other species of endogenous digestive microflora may be a sufficient source of the enzyme phytase to improve mineral absorption. Phytase catalyzes the release of phosphate from phytate and hydrolyses the complexes formed by phytate and metal ions or other cations, rendering them more soluble, which improves and facilitates the absorption of zinc and magnesium