Does plant zinc absorb as well as meat zinc?

Animal zinc absorbs at 35–40%; plant zinc from high-phytate foods absorbs at 10–20%. Soaking, sprouting, and fermentation reduce phytate and improve zinc absorption by 20–50%.

What are signs of zinc deficiency?

Poor wound healing, loss of taste/smell, frequent infections, hair loss, and poor growth in children are classic zinc deficiency signs; serum zinc is a poor biomarker.

Zinc Bioavailability from Diet

Calculate estimated absorbed zinc from diet considering phytate content, protein source (animal vs plant), and zinc:phytate molar ratio.

Use the full interactive calculator below, or

Related Calculators

Micronutrient DRI Check

Health & Wellness

Iron Absorption Factors

Health & Wellness

Immune Zinc/Vitamin C

Health & Wellness

Zinc Bioavailability from Diet

Related Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

Does plant zinc absorb as well as meat zinc?

What are signs of zinc deficiency?