While studying Egyptian anthropology, Lino was surprised to learn that zinc deficiency was common among certain Middle Eastern populations, even though their diet was high in zinc-containing foods. What caused the zinc deficiency in these populations?
a) The high amount of protein in the diet bound the zinc, decreasing its bioavailability in the body.
b) The high amount of phytic acid in unleavened bread in the diet bound the zinc, decreasing its bioavailability in the body.
c) The high amount of oxalates in tea in the diet bound the zinc, decreasing its bioavailability in the body.
d) The high amount of copper in the soil vegetables were grown in bound the zinc, decreasing its bioavailability in the body.
e) Unleavened bread is very high in phytic acid and other factors that decrease zinc bioavailability.
