Zinc is an essential mineral that helps improve immune functions, aids in reproduction and is necessary for growth, insulin and thyroid function. Many foods naturally contain zinc, but there are also zinc supplements if you do not get enough zinc in your diet. Some people have a disease or condition that causes them to be zinc deficient. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, most adults need 8 to 11 milligrams of dietary zinc per day. Consult your physician before taking a supplement.
Step 1
Eat animal protein or seafood to help absorb zinc. Zinc from non-animal sources, such as legumes, is not as well-absorbed.
Step 2
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Alcohol causes your body to absorb zinc more slowly.
Step 3
Reduce the amount of tea or coffee you drink. Limit how much phytic acid, found in fiber, you consume with zinc. These may all reduce your body’s ability to absorb zinc.
Step 4
Eat cysteine and methionine amino acids while consuming zinc to aid in absorption. Animal products usually contain these amino acids. Other proteins such as some dairies and grains also may have these amino acids.
Step 5
Avoid taking other minerals at the same time, if you take a zinc supplement. Also make sure that you take iron and calcium supplements at different times than zinc.
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