Reptile & Amphibian Forums

http://www.mercola.com/article/soy/

From one of the articles:

Soybeans are high in phytic acid, present in the bran or hulls of all seeds. It's a substance that can block the uptake of essential minerals - calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and especially zinc - in the intestinal tract.

Although not a household word, phytic acid has been extensively studied; there are literally hundreds of articles on the effects of phytic acid in the current scientific literature. Scientists are in general agreement that grain- and legume-based diets high in phytates contribute to widespread mineral deficiencies in third world countries.15

Analysis shows that calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc are present in the plant foods eaten in these areas, but the high phytate content of soy- and grain-based diets prevents their absorption.

Nearly had me worried there for a moment.
The above link is great support for your argument but as with any group that focuses on support for their argument and does not really care about the facts... the 'facts' presented are indeed 'fact' but, as usual, are taken out of context.
Now if you do a search of Phytic Acid (which seems to be the major evil component that is focused on) you will find that the reasearch is only beginning. You will also find that there are as many benefits that Phytic Acid provides as well as harmsfull effects. Also (which I thought was kind of humorous), the blocking of certain nutrients seems to occur in Humans and all animals EXCEPT ruminants. Now, ruminants are hoofed animals with chambered stomachs... not quite like tortoises but they are commonly compared to grazing tortoises because we really don't have many models/studies for tortoises.
Then... the effects of the phytic acid can be overcome by not feeding the diet exclusively (the way I understand it).I always suggest doing your own research (very easy on the net) and come to your own conclusion. I'm always cautious of anyone that focus on one aspect and neglects to look at the overall picture.
Ed

I don't know what you are talking about. First you say my link was good support for my argument, and then you say it doesn't really care about facts. And then you admit it is fact, but taken out of context. Can you focus a bit better when you write, please?

You admit that ruminants are the only animals that can process phytic acid and break it down to a harmless substance. The reason for this is because ruminants encounter legumes and phytic acid-containing plants and have several stomachs to break it down. Then you say tortoises are not ruminants, which pretty much negates your whole argument. You ended up arguing against yourself. The fact is tortoises are not much like runinants at all.

You then say that you limit the amount of Mazuri Phony Food you give to your tortoises to reduce the risk. HUH? That's like saying, "sure I give my tortoises arsenic, but I only give them a LITTLE bit, so it is okay." If it is so good for them, why does one have to limit the amount given to them?

How many cooked soybeans mixed with other dried grain products do you figure tortoises encounter in the wilds of Africa or South America? How do you figure they've evolved a way to deal with these substances?

I guess you're right again.
Ed

any point. And last I checked, none of the plants that I find in the produce section of the grocery store or growing in my backyard, grow in any of the the tortoise species' habitat

My 2 cents
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Adam
http://anraviary.cjb.net
0.0 African Sidenecked, 0.0 Northern Diamondback Terrapin, 0.1 Redfoot, 0.1 Sulcatta, 1.0 Western Hognose, 1.0 Crested Gecko, 0.1 Mali Uromastyx