When it comes to zinc absorption, it's not just about getting enough of it in your diet. Its intestinal availability through the diet is also a major factor. During digestion, zinc ions in food are released and then absorbed in the small intestine. About 70% of the zinc in circulation binds to the blood albumin protein.
So, any condition that affects the concentration of albumin can have an effect on your body's zinc levels. Low levels of albumin can occur when the body doesn't absorb and digest proteins properly, such as with Crohn's disease or celiac disease, or when large amounts of protein are lost due to diarrhea. The liver produces albumin, so any form of inflammation or liver disease can also reduce zinc levels.
Where Can You Find Zinc?
Zinc is found in a variety of foods, such as lean red meat, seafood (especially herring and oysters), peas, and beans. It's also present in whole grains; however, large amounts of whole grains have been found to decrease the amount of zinc that is absorbed. You can also get additional zinc from treated (galvanized) kitchen utensils. Food stored in uncoated cans can make less zinc available for absorption. If you're looking for ways to increase your body's absorption of zinc, there are a few things you can do.First, make sure you're getting enough zinc in your diet. Eating foods that are high in zinc is a great way to ensure that your body is getting enough of this essential mineral. Additionally, you may want to consider taking a supplement if you're not getting enough from your diet alone. You should also be aware of any conditions that may be affecting your body's ability to absorb zinc. If you have Crohn's disease or celiac disease, for example, you may need to take extra steps to ensure that your body is able to absorb the zinc from your diet.
Additionally, if you have any form of liver disease or inflammation, you may need to take extra steps to ensure that your body is able to absorb the zinc from your diet. Finally, if you're storing food in uncoated cans, you may want to consider switching to coated cans or other storage methods that will help preserve the zinc content of the food.
