Phytic acid combined with minerals. These constitute 1-2% of the weight of whole grain cereals, nuts, seeds and legumes, and impair mineral absorption from these foods.

Form of inositol (a sugarlike compound) found in plants; excessive amounts in the diet can interfere with the absorption of zinc from the digestive tract.

Chemicals that occur naturally in some plants, and which bind to calcium and make it unusable to the body. Foods high in phytates should make up only a small portion of an iguana's diet. For more information on diet, see the Food and Feeding page.