Actually that is not true Wren. I was Vegan for 10 years I was also a raw foodist and visited a slew of Medical Doctors and Natural healers and Doctors. The response was always the same, meat has the most bio-available zinc hands down. I didnt want to beleive it so I kept trying other things just like the ones you metioned.... I had several tests and they didnt do a thing... it was only when I added the meat protein and eggs into my diet did my levels start to return to normal. I have several tests to prove it. The aminos and other things make the protein a perfect carrier to transport heavy metals out of the body... I truly hope that other people dont make the same mistake I did....