the data is upholding the diet regarding everything so far, except iron. i'm otherwise in spectacular health. and, i'm at least reacting to the iron.
is there any evidence i'm dealing with a zinc deficiency? frankly, there isn't. but, i mean, my track record in guessing serum levels isn't so great.
if my zinc levels come in fine, it's going to suggest that it's mostly genetic rather than phytate or calcium blocking. i mean, this is the question we don't know the answer to - am i just bombarding myself with so much iron that my stomach has no choice but to absorb some of it, or is the actual operative difference more along the lines of that i've separated the iron out from the diet? i'm taking the iron on an empty stomach, as directed - except with vitamin c. this is very similar to the heme test i took, except it's working this time, which suggests quantity is the issue, rather than quality.
but i don't know yet, really.
in the end, if it's *only* iron that is of concern, i'd rather just take iron pills than blow up the diet. and, for those reading along, that's potentially a valid caveat - for all it's overall health benefits, those with iron absorption difficulties may experience the onset of anemia when following this diet, and may need to supplement with iron on a daily or weekly basis, once your stores are up a little.