Table 1.

Plant Compounds, Food Sources, and Their Suggested Clinical Implications.

‘Anti-nutrient’	Food Sources	Suggested Clinical Implications
Lectins	Legumes, cereal grains, seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables	Altered gut function; inflammation
Oxalates	Spinach, Swiss chard, sorrel, beet greens, beet root, rhubarb, nuts, legumes, cereal grains, sweet potatoes, potatoes	May inhibit calcium absorption; May increase calcium kidney stone formation
Phytate (IP6)	Legumes, cereal grains, pseudocereals (amaranth, quinoa, millet), nuts, seeds	May inhibit absorption of iron, zinc and calcium; Acts as an antioxidant; Antineoplastic effects
Goitrogens	Brassica vegetables (kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnip greens, Chinese cabbage, broccoli), millet, cassava	Hypothyroidism and/or goiter; Inhibit iodine uptake
Phytoestrogens	Soy and soy products, flaxseeds, nuts (negligible amounts), fruits and vegetables (negligible amounts)	Endocrine disruption; Increased risk of estrogen-sensitive cancers
Tannins	Tea, cocoa, grapes, berries, apples, stone fruits, nuts, beans, whole grains	Inhibit iron absorption; Negatively impact iron stores