You can find zinc in relatively many foods, but it is important to take these foods daily because our body does not store zinc. In the other blog you can read what foods contain zinc and what symptoms can occur with a deficiency. 

But just what is the cause of zinc deficiency? What could it be related to?

Vegan diet

You might think of that you are getting little zinc through your diet, so you eat few foods rich in zinc. We often see a deficiency in people who eat vegan because plant foods rich in zinc contain phytate and this makes zinc absorption a lot more difficult. 

Age

As you get older, it is important to watch your zinc intake. From about age ⁶⁵ , zinc intake is a lot lower than when you are younger. This may have to do with chewing problems, for example, resulting in digestive problems, this prevents zinc absorption but also medication use. 

Agriculture

In addition, we also have to deal with soil degradation which makes our food contain much less vitamins, minerals and trace elements which means zinc. 

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the need for zinc is greater and therefore you are more likely to be deficient. This is because zinc is very important for the development of the baby.

Copper IUD

Do you have a copper IUD? If so, you also have a higher risk of zinc deficiency. Copper secretes zinc and can mask a zinc deficiency. So extra intake of zinc is important here.

Want to know if you are zinc deficient or know you are zinc deficient? Then read our other blog where we talk more about zinc-rich foods or zinc deficiency symptoms.