Nutr Rev. 2002 May; 60(5 Pt 1): 127-34.

Moving toward a plant-based diet: are iron and zinc at risk?

Hunt JR.

USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, ND 58202, USA.

With reduced intake of meat and increased intake of phytate-containing legumes and whole grains, movement toward plant-based diets reduces dietary iron and zinc absorption. Although vegetarians have lower iron stores, adverse health effects of lower iron and zinc absorption have not been demonstrated with varied, plant-based diets consumed in developed countries. Improved assessment methods and monitoring are needed to detect and prevent possible iron and zinc deficiency with plant-based diets.