Ways to take zinc:

• Oral - Zinc is most effective when dissolved in the mouth, and can be taken in the form of supplements or lozenges. Zinc lozenges come in tasty flavors like honey lemon, cherry, or tropical fruit, to name a few, which makes the slight aftertaste more tolerable.
• Injection - This must be done by a health professional
• Diet (see below)

Foods That Have Zinc:

While zinc supplements and lozenges are readily available, zinc can also be found in many of the foods that we consume on a regular basis, including:

Lean red meat Seafood (especially oysters, clams, shellfish, and herring) Dairy products Peas Beans Whole grain bread and cereal (in small amounts) Eggs Liver Seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, and poppy) Wheat germ Turkey Nuts Lamb

Foods That Counteract Zinc Absorption:

While some foods are a great source of zinc in your diet, others counteract zinc absorption and should not be eaten within two hours after taking zinc, including:

• Bran
• Fiber-containing foods
• Whole-grain breads and cereals (at high levels)
• Phosphorous-containing foods like milk and poultry
• Caffeine

What’s the easiest way to determine if I’m zinc deficient?
While it is best to talk to you doctor for a proper medical diagnosis, here is a trick… try a tablespoon of liquid zinc. If it tastes bitter or gross, your zinc levels are normal. If it tastes sweet, you’re zinc deficient.