Association with vegetarianism
Vegan diets have often a direct association with reduced zinc absorption in the body. Even though the body adapts to the vegan diet over time but it might lead to zinc deficiency if the body is not coping with the zinc loss. Traditionally vegetarians have lower levels of zinc because the body performs the function of breakdown of zinc that is present in meats more effectively. Vegetarians are more prone to consume higher levels of soybeans, nuts, legumes, whole grain food products, and beans, etc. While they are good food choices, they can weaken the ability of the body to absorb zinc because of the presence of phytates. These compounds bind to zinc, so the body will not be able to absorb it.