Minerals in wheat

The amount of minerals present in a wheat sample often varies among cultivars and growing environments. Minerals from a small part of the wheat kernel, and an even smaller proportion of the endosperm- less than 1%.

Even the minerals in wheat kernel are not uniformly distributed; rather, they are concentrated in the area close to the bran coat and in bran itself. It is the aleurone layer that is the primary domain of wheat minerals.

Phytin crystals are not found in any other bran structure by the aleurone cells. Aleurone is the layer between the bran and the endosperm.

Major constituents of the mineral fraction are the phosphates and sulfates of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Some of the phosphate is present in the form of phytic acid.

Phytic acid can combine with certain minerals – such as calcium, zinc, and iron – to form indigestible compounds, thereby limiting the body’s intake of these minerals and possibly leading to deficiency.

One report shows the following ranges, in mg per kg, for wheat: iron 18-31, copper 1.8-6.2, manganese., 24-37, and selenium 0.04 – 0.71.

Sodium in wheat is present at a level of only about 80 ppm and is considered a trace element in this case. Hard wheat generally contains more of these elements than soft wheat.  
Minerals in wheat