Ok, I feel like a lazy jerk for asking (instead of
making that trip to the library), but maybe someone
can help me.

Since joining this list, I've been made aware of the
dangers of phytates in the diet, but I have never
seen reference to how long they hang around in the
body. If you eat a meal that contains some whole
grains or even (gasp) soybeans, does the phytic
acid impede the absorption of minerals present in
THAT MEAL ONLY? Or does the acid hang around and
cause poor absorption in future meals, as well?

Thanks,
Toby