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?

The high measure of phytic acid in unleavened bread in the eating routine bound the zinc, diminishing its bioavailability in the body. 
Phytic acid, generally as phytate, is found inside the structures of nuts, seeds, and grains. No distinguishable phytate was seen in vegetables, for example, scallion and cabbage leaves or in organic products, for example, apples, oranges, bananas, or pears. In-home sustenance planning methods can separate the phytic corrosive in these nourishments. Basically cooking the nourishment will diminish the phytic corrosive to some degree. More powerful strategies are absorbing a corrosive medium, growing and lactic corrosive aging, for example, in sourdough and pickling.