Why might your blood zinc levels go down even if you’re taking zinc supplements?
Sometimes, blood zinc levels can drop even when you’re taking supplements because your body might not absorb zinc well due to gut problems or certain foods containing phytates, including beans and whole grains, that bind zinc. Infections or inflammation can also cause your body to remove zinc from the blood.
Taking alcohol, some medicines, or low-quality supplements can affect zinc levels too.
Also, if you take a lot of iron supplements at the same time, they can block zinc absorption.
Finally, zinc levels in blood can naturally change during the day or with illness, so a low number doesn’t always mean you’re not getting enough zinc.
If your zinc levels remain low, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause.
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