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Nutrition

Do vegans struggle with zinc?

Short answer

Absorption can be lower because of phytates, but legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu and whole grains cover needs on a varied diet. Soaking and fermentation help.

NIH: phytates limit zinc absorption. AND does not treat zinc as a hard blocker of a vegan diet.

High-dose “just in case” zinc supplements can interfere with copper.

Sources

  1. Zinc — Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
  2. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets

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