The mineral zinc is commonly deficient in vegetarian diets. Vegetarians miss out on dietary zinc because it is most plentiful in meat, dairy, and shellfish; also, whole grains and beans can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb zinc. Zinc deficiency, says nutritionist Anne Louise Gittleman, leads to the inability to produce the hormone testosterone, necessary for sexual desire in both men and women. Gittleman recommends that vegetarians increase their zinc intake by consuming pumpkinseeds or pecans, and consider a dietary supplement.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: reported by www.foxnews.com, 2/3/00
