Using a chemical to block the INO1 gene in cereal grains lowers phytic acid levels without reducing germination, grain size, protein, or starch quality, unlike genetic edits to the same gene that can reduce crop yield.

Blocking a specific enzyme called INO1 lowers phytic acid in rice and wheat grains to a similar degree, even though the plants have different genetic makeups, suggesting this method could work across major cereal crops.

Chemically blocking the INO1 enzyme in rice and wheat grains during development lowers phytic acid levels by up to 47%, without affecting the weight, mineral content, or ability of the seeds to germinate, which results in a doubling of the amount of iron and zinc that can be absorbed by the body.