Zinc is a critical nutrient required daily, but the body does not store it in significant amounts—meaning a consistent dietary source is necessary.
Phytates in some plant foods can reduce zinc absorption; individuals with limited animal-source foods may have lower zinc bioavailability.
Both acute and chronic stress—including periods of intense physical activity—can deplete zinc levels, creating a cycle where stress reduces zinc stores, and low zinc in turn impairs the body's ability to cope with stress ²
1. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH ODS). Zinc: fact sheet for health professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional
2. Azargoonjahromi A. Current evidence on the association of zinc ... . Nutr Rev. 2024;82(3):291-303. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuad058
3. Córdova A, Alvarez-Mon M. Behaviour of zinc in physical exercise: a special reference to immunity and fatigue. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 1995;19(3):439-445. doi:10.1016/0149-7634(94)00054-g
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