Wellbeing Nutrition Health Fitness Ecosystem Environment Animals Lifestyle Business About Contact Us Hamburger Toggle Menu Edit Template Why We Need Zinc, And How Much Is Enough Zinc is an essential mineral that helps with multiple body functions. In particular, it contributes to a healthy immune system, as well as helping to maintain haemoglobin levels, necessary for healthy red blood cells, and to facilitate wound healing. It is also important for good eye health. Zinc deficiency can lead to a variety of symptoms, including frequent infections, hair loss, skin problems, impaired growth, stomach upsets, and poor appetite. Because zinc from plant sources is not absorbed as easily as zinc from animal sources, the recommended daily intakes of zinc for vegans are higher than those for meat eaters. This equates to about 15 mg per day for vegan men, and 10 mg per day for vegan women. (The recommended amount is greater for men due to their higher zinc losses through natural processes, when compared to women.) There are many excellent vegan zinc sources available. Read Next Some Great Plant-Based Sources Of Omega 3 How To Get The Right Amount Of Iodine If You’re Vegan Some Great Carbohydrate Sources & Their Calorific Content Why We Need Iron How To Get Enough Vitamin B12 From Fortified Vegan Foods Vitamin B12 Supplements & Absorption Rates Excellent Vegan Vitamin D Sources Some Great Vegan Zinc Sources