Abstract: This study investigated the effects of low-concentration calcium lactate on phytic acid degradation and the contents of macronutrients during soybean germination. After being sprayed with calcium lactate at 0.27 mmol/L for 4 days, the phytic acid in soybean sprouts was degraded significantly, and the bioavailability of zinc and iron was improved. In addition, the contents of other macronutrients, including soluble proteins and soluble sugars, were decreased continuously, while the content of free amino acids was increased. The contents of total proteins and amino acids were maintained steadily or decreased slightly, while the amino acids composition varied greatly. The contents of Asp and His were increased with germination time, whereas the contents of 15 other amino acids were decreased. Calcium lactate enhanced the accumulation of Asp and Val but decreased the content of other amino acids. Spraying soybean sprouts with low-concentration calcium lactate as a good calcium supplement could promote phytic acid degradation, and enhance the nutritional quality of soybean sprouts.

Key words: calcium lactate, germinating soybean, phytic acid, macronutrients