Photo: Angela Roma

What foods help zinc absorption?

Eat Meat. Animal protein, such as the kind found in meat, increases zinc absorption, according to an article published in "British Journal of Nutrition" in 2013. Lean red meat is one of the best sources of zinc, with other types of lean meat, including pork and poultry, also offering significant amounts of zinc.

healthyeating.sfgate.com - How to Boost Zinc Absorption - Healthy Eating | SF Gate

Are bananas rich in zinc?

Although bananas are rich in carbohydrate, fiber, protein, fat, and vitamins A, C, and B6 they are largely deficient of iron (Fe), iodine, and zinc...

Last updated Aug 13, 2021

When should ashwagandha not be taken?

People with stomach ulcers: This herb may irritate your gastrointestinal tract; therefore, you should avoid ashwagandha if you have stomach ulcers...

Last updated May 26, 2022

Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »

Promotion

You absorb between 15 and 35 percent of the zinc you consume. The exact amount depends on the amount of zinc you take in and whether you eat foods that increase or decrease zinc absorption. You need zinc for forming DNA and protein cells, for immune function, for healing wounds and for cell division. If your zinc levels are low, you can take steps to boost zinc absorption.

Eat Meat

Animal protein, such as the kind found in meat, increases zinc absorption, according to an article published in "British Journal of Nutrition" in 2013. Lean red meat is one of the best sources of zinc, with other types of lean meat, including pork and poultry, also offering significant amounts of zinc. Although amino acids found in proteins generally improve zinc absorption, the protein casein has a slight inhibitory effect, so you may want to avoid consuming dairy products at the same time as you consume zinc-rich foods.

Limit Phytates

Legumes, whole grains and some other plant foods contain compounds called phytates, which interfere with zinc absorption. If you consume a lot of fiber -- especially if you get most of it from breads and cereals -- you probably also consume a lot of phytates, which may make it harder for you to meet your zinc needs. This is especially true if you are vegetarian, since you may need up to 50 percent more zinc in your diet to absorb what your body needs. Soaking beans, seeds and grains for a few hours before cooking them and consuming leavened breads instead of unleavened breads can help decrease the amount of phytates you consume and allow you to absorb more of the zinc these foods provide.

Be Careful With Supplements

While you don't need to worry about other minerals in foods impairing zinc absorption, the high mineral amounts in supplements may cause a problem, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Iron, copper and calcium supplements may compete with zinc for absorption, so only take these if prescribed by a doctor or take them at a separate time from when you consume foods rich in zinc. Zinc from supplements is more easily absorbed than zinc from foods when you first start consuming the supplements. However, absorption decreases as your body gets used to the supplements.

Considerations

What vitamin helps with bladder control?

A study done on vitamin c intake in 2060 women, aged 30-79 years of age found that high-dose intake of vitamin c and calcium were positively...

Last updated Mar 24, 2020

How do men feel with prostate cancer?

If you're dealing with a prostate cancer diagnosis or treatment, you might have feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger, fear, frustration and...

Last updated Sep 12, 2020

Promotion

How do I unblock DHT?

DHT is a hormone that contributes to hair loss in both men and women. Green tea, onions, pumpkin seeds, and edamame, among other foods and...

Last updated Aug 14, 2022

How can I regrow my frontal hairline?

There is no outright cure for a receding hairline, but there are some medications that can slow it down and help hair regrow. Finasteride or...

Last updated Apr 23, 2021

Promotion

What are the signs of love of men?

Signs He's Falling in Love With You He loves to spend quality time with you. ... He does everything to keep you happy. ... He prioritizes your...

Last updated Mar 16, 2019

Promotion

Does a catheter hurt coming out female?

Pain isn't entirely normal. Chances are it won't hurt. According to her if I remember rightly, there can be a tad bit of pain or discomfort when...

Last updated Apr 23, 2021