This could help reduce bone loss, such as osteoporosis . Zinc also assists in the transportation of vitamin A in the blood. Pregnant women should get 15 mg. Women who are breastfeeding should get 19 mg the first six months and 16 mg the second six months. A well-balanced diet will provide about 10 to 15 mg per day.
Stomach acid is important to the absorption of zinc.
Health problems or medications that lower stomach acid could limit the amount of zinc that is absorbed. One is a high- fiber diet that contains high amounts of phytates. These are found in unrefined cereal and unleavened whole grain products. Phytates bind to zinc and reduce its absorption. The leavening agents used in most breads usually deactivate the phytates.