title: Zinc and vegetarian diets.
abstract: Well planned vegetarian diets can provide adequate amounts of zinc from plant sources. Vegetarians appear to adapt to lower zinc intakes by increased absorption and retention of zinc. Good sources of zinc for vegetarians include whole grains, tofu, tempeh, legumes, nuts and seeds, fortified breakfast cereals and dairy products. The inhibitory effects of phytate on absorption of zinc can be minimised by modern food-processing methods such as soaking, heating, sprouting, fermenting and leavening. Absorption of zinc can be improved by using yeast-based breads and sourdough breads, sprouts, and presoaked legumes. Studies show vegetarians have similar serum zinc concentrations to, and no greater risk of zinc deficiency than, non-vegetarians (despite differences in zinc intake).
authors.affiliation: Corporate Nutrition, Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing, Berkeley Vale, NSW, Australia. angela.saunders@sanitarium.com.au.
authors.forename: Angela V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.affiliation: Nutrition and Wellness Department, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Mich, USA.
authors.forename: Winston J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Craig
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Surinder K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Baines
mesh_terms: D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D006801:Humans; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D015032:Zinc