Zinc bioavailability in rats receiving a regional diet of Manaus, was studied. The regional diet was elaborated according to data of SHRIMPTON & GIUGLIANO (1979), for families receiving less than two minimum salaries. The biological test with Wisiar rats was based on the depletion of zinc and vitamin A during the period of lactation, followed by the adaptation of the pup rats with regional diet of Manaus for seven days, and a period of repletion where supplements of zinc were given according to the recommendations of the COMMITTEE ON LABORATORY ANIMAL DIETS (1979).From the results it was concluded that the amount of zinc-present in the diet, as determined by parameters of bioavailability such as growth, concentration in the organs and zinc-dependent enzymes, was adequately used by the animals, probably due to promoting factors in the diet.
Bioavailability; Zinc; Regional diets Manaus